How do you develop pernicious anemia?
How do you develop pernicious anemia?
Pernicious anemia is one cause of vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia. It’s thought mainly to be caused by an autoimmune process that makes a person unable to produce a substance in the stomach called intrinsic factor. This substance is needed to absorb dietary vitamin B-12 in the small intestine.
Why are the symptoms of pernicious anemia so bad?
The symptoms of pernicious anemia occur because it leads to a deficiency in vitamin B12 (also known as “cobalamin”). Vitamin B12 is important for many different chemical reactions in the body.
How is vitamin B12 used to treat pernicious anemia?
It’s critical the clinicians consider the possibility of pernicious anemia, because treatment with vitamin B12 can dramatically improve symptoms, which can become life-threatening if they remain untreated. The treatment of pernicious anemia is straightforward. Affected people must take vitamin B12 to remedy their deficiency.
What foods should you eat if you have pernicious anemia?
Diet Lacking Vitamin B12. Some people get pernicious anemia because they don’t have enough vitamin B12 in their diets. This cause of pernicious anemia is less common than other causes. Good food sources of vitamin B12 include: Breakfast cereals with added vitamin B12. Meats such as beef, liver, poultry, and fish.
Is there a link between pernicious anemia and Addison’s disease?
Have an autoimmune disorder that involves the endocrine glands, such as Addison’s disease, type 1 diabetes, Graves’ disease, or vitiligo. Research suggests a link may exist between these autoimmune disorders and pernicious anemia that’s caused by an autoimmune response. Have had part or all of your small intestine surgically removed.
How serious is pernicious anaemia?
Severe or long-lasting pernicious anemia can damage the heart, brain, and other organs in the body. Pernicious anemia also can cause other problems, such as nerve damage, neurological problems (such as memory loss), and digestive tract problems.
Is B12 bad for anemia?
People with this type of anemia often do well with treatment. Long-term vitamin B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage. This may be permanent if you do not start treatment within 6 months of when your symptoms begin. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia most often responds well to treatment.
What to do if you are anemic?
Your doctor will work with you to prescribe treatment, which varies according to the type of anemia you have. Treatment for nutritional anemia is changes to diet, vitamin and iron and supplements or vitamin B-12 injections. Early acquired or genetic anemia may require red blood cell transfusions or hormone injections.
What are the 6 types of anemia?
Signs and Symptoms of 6 Types of Anemia Blood Disease Pernicious Anemia (PA) Hemolytic Anemia (HA) Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) Aplastic Anemia (AA) Fanconi Anemia (FA) Bone Marrow Disease Anemia