Pernicious Anemia

Pernicious Anemia Pernicious anemia is a condition in which the body is unable to make an adequate amount of healthy red blood cells because it is lacking vitamin B12. When a person lacks intrinsic factor, a protein made in the stomach, they are unable to absorb enough vitamin B12, which leads to vitamin B12 deficiency and pernicious anemia. When there is a lack of B12, your red blood cells are unable to divide normally and will be too large to get out of the bone marrow properly. Without enough red blood cells carrying oxygen throughout your body, you may begin to feel tired and weak. This lack of oxygen can damage organs in the body, including the heart and brain.
Who Is at Risk Pernicious anemia is most commonly found in people of the

This is an important vitamin because without it your body can not make healthy red blood cells. This vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to nerve damage causing numbness and tingling in your hands and feet, loss of reflexes, and muscle weakness. A lack of red blood cells causes the heart to work harder to pump oxygen-rich blood to the entire body. This over working of the heart can cause the heart to enlarge. It may also cause arrhythmias, heart murmur, or can even lead to heart failure. One of the most common signs of pernicious anemia and B12 deficiency is a smooth, thick, red tongue.
Diagnosis
Primary care doctors can often diagnose and treat pernicious anemia. During your physical examination for pernicious anemia, your doctor may check for pale or yellowish skin and an enlarged liver. They may also listen to your heart for irregular rhythms or a murmur. A blood test can diagnose pernicious anemia and figure out what exactly is causing it. Some types of blood tests include a CBC, reticulocyte count, a serum folate, iron or iron-binding capacity test, Combined Binding Luminescence Test, and a bone marrow test.

Pernicious anemia is usually treated with B12 injections or pills. If your condition is severe, your doctor will more than likely start you off with shots. These shots will either be given once a day or once a week depending on the severity. After the B12 levels return to normal, then shots may be given once a month. For less severe cases, high dosage pills may be prescribed. Until your condition improves, your doctor may advise you to limit your physical