Symptoms of Pernicious Anemia Disease

Anemia occurs when the body lacks sufficient red blood cells. Pernicious anemia (PA) is a form of megaloblastic anemia, where the red blood cells are too large for proper utilization.

Cause

A lack of intrinsic factor in the stomach causes malabsorption of vitamin B12 and a deficiency that leads to PA.

Neurological

PA can cause confusion, dizziness and depression. Long-term B12 deficiency can also cause permanent nerve damage that manifests as numbness in the extremities. Memory loss is also common in PA sufferers.

Digestive

PA also causes digestive disruption. Gastrointestinal symptoms of PA include nausea, flatulence, abdominal bloating, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea and loss of appetite.

Infants

PA can be a congenital disorder that shows symptoms shortly after birth. Signs in an infant include difficulty feeding due to poor tongue coordination, slow movements, irritability and facial tremors. Untreated PA can cause permanent growth restriction.

Treatment

A study conducted by the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto confirmed oral B12, following the first injection of B12, can be efficacious for patients with PA. Even people with a lack of intrinisic factor typically absorb 1 to 2 percent of the amount supplemented orally.

References

• Oral B12 vs. Injections Research Study
• VitaB12
• National Heart and Lung Blood Institute

Resources

• Pernicious Anemia Society