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Key Points
- Pernicious anemia is a condition in which
the body can't make enough healthy red blood
cells because it doesn't have enough vitamin B12.
- People who have pernicious anemia can't
absorb enough vitamin B12 due to a lack
of intrinsic factor, a protein made in
the stomach. This leads to vitamin B12 deficiency.
In people who have pernicious anemia, the cells
that make intrinsic factor are destroyed.
- Other conditions and factors also can
cause vitamin B12 deficiency. Examples include
infections, surgery, medicines, and diet. Technically,
the term “pernicious anemia” refers to vitamin B12
deficiency due to a lack of intrinsic factor. Often,
vitamin B12 deficiency due to other causes also
is called pernicious anemia.
- Without enough red blood cells to carry oxygen
to your body, you may feel tired and weak. Severe
or long-lasting pernicious anemia can damage the heart, brain, and other organs in the body. The condition
also can cause other complications, such as nerve damage, neurological problems (such as memory loss),
and digestive tract problems.
- Pernicious anemia is more common in people
of Northern European and African descent. In
the United States, older people are at higher
risk for the condition. Pernicious anemia also
can occur in younger people and other
population groups.
- The signs and symptoms of pernicious anemia
are due to a lack of vitamin B12 (vitamin B12 deficiency). Without enough vitamin B12, your body
can't make enough healthy red blood cells. This
causes anemia.
- Some of the signs and symptoms of pernicious anemia,
such as fatigue (tiredness), shortness of breath,
and dizziness, apply to all types of anemia. Other
signs and symptoms, such as muscle weakness,
memory loss, and nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), are specific to a lack of vitamin B12.
- Your doctor will diagnose pernicious anemia based
on your medical and family histories, a physical exam,
and the results from tests. Your doctor will want
to find out whether the condition is due to a
lack of intrinsic factor or another cause.
- Doctors treat pernicious anemia by replacing the missing vitamin B12 in your body. This is done using vitamin B12 pills or shots. People who have pernicious anemia may need lifelong treatment. If your doctor can find the cause
of your pernicious anemia, you may get treatment
for that problem.
- You can't prevent pernicious anemia that's due
to a lack of intrinsic factor. However, if you
have pernicious anemia because of dietary factors,
you can take steps to prevent it. Eating foods
high in vitamin B12 can help prevent low
vitamin B12 levels. Your doctor also may advise
taking vitamin B12 supplements.
- With proper treatment, people who have pernicious anemia can recover, feel well, and live normal lives. See your doctor regularly for checkups and ongoing treatment. Take vitamin B12 supplements as your doctor advises. This may help prevent anemia symptoms and complications.
- If you have pernicious anemia, tell your family members. Pernicious anemia can run in families, so they may be more likely to develop the condition.
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