Pernicious Anaemia causes patients not to have enough healthy red blood cells in their bodies. This can lead to issues with the body receiving enough oxygen, problems with the absorption of nutrients, as well as bleeding issues. Certain racial groups are more likely to have this condition, and in rare cases, the condition can also run in families.
The most common symptoms of Pernicious Anaemia are:
Pernicious Anaemia is caused by B12 anaemia in the body. This happens when the body cannot absorb enough B12 from food consumption. In patients with Pernicious Anaemia, the stomach lining is not creating enough intrinsic factor, a protein that binds to vitamin B12 and allows it to be absorbed by the intestines.
The most common causes of Pernicious Anaemia are a weakened stomach lining or an autoimmune condition that attacks the intrinsic factor itself or the GI tract. In some rare cases, Pernicious Anaemia can be passed down in families. If this is the reason for a patient’s Pernicious Anaemia, they will usually be Scandinavian or of Northern European descent.
The risk factors for developing Pernicious Anaemia are:
Diagnosis of Pernicious Anaemia can require a number of different tests. You might be asked to provide a CBC, which is a full blood panel. This will help to identify issues with the B vitamins in your system and also help to identify other health conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms.
A serum bilirubin test might also be done, along with a Reticulocyte count test. You might be tested for your LDH levels and your homocysteine levels through blood tests.
Physical tests will need to be completed as well, mostly to rule out conditions that can cause similar symptoms to Pernicious Anaemia.
Treatment of this condition is usually fairly simple. Patients are given a B12 shot once a month. If your B12 levels are very low, you might need to have more shots at the beginning of your treatment process. Some patients will be given B12 supplements to take by mouth at home.
If you have other complications related to your health, such as underlying health conditions that are causing your Pernicious Anaemia, these other conditions will also require treatment. This condition can sometimes be the warning sign of other serious health conditions, which are discovered when the diagnosis of Pernicious Anaemia is made. Treating all of the factors that are leading to your Pernicious Anaemia symptoms is key for your long-term well-being.
This type of anaemia cannot be prevented. Early detection can reduce complications and secondary health problems, however. If you have been experiencing any of the symptoms of Pernicious Anaemia, you will want to see a doctor.