Pernicious Anemia

Pernicious anemia is a condition wherein the body cannot make adequate amounts of red blood cells because of the deficiency of vitamin B12 in the body. It generally afflicts those people in whom the capability of the absorption of vitamin B12 from food is lost. Some of the other names that pernicious anemia is known by are: megaloblastic anemia; vitamin B12 deficiency anemia; congenital pernicious anemia; and combined systems disease.

There are many kinds of anemia, of which pernicious anemia is one. When you have anemia it means that there are not enough red blood cells in your body, therefore the cells of the body do not get enough oxygen. Hence, tiredness is one of the main symptoms of pernicious anemia.

This condition was given the name ‘pernicious’ anemia due to it often being fatal in the past before it was discovered that the deficiency in vitamin B12 was the cause, and since there were no specific treatments available. Pernicious anemia can become serious if it is not treated for a long time. If the condition is not treated, it can lead to permanent damage being caused to the body. This condition is particularly common amongst older adults.

What are the Causes of Pernicious Anemia?

When a person is afflicted with pernicious anemia, the blood cells are too big in size because they do not divide properly; hence, it is difficult for them to get out of the bone marrow. As has been mentioned above, the problem is caused by the deficiency of vitamin B12 in the body, which is one of the B vitamins. The best sources of B vitamins are animal foods like eggs, fish, meat, milk, as well as other dairy products. Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells in the body. It is also required for the nervous system to work normally.

There are several ways that low levels of vitamin B12 can develop:

• Due to the lack of a certain kind of a certain kind of protein in the stomach, known as intrinsic factor, which is produced by special types of cells, known as parietal cells, which are located in the stomach’s lining. These cells can be destroyed in some people by their own immune system or due to a stomach surgery. The stomach surgery can involve partial or total removal of the stomach and also stomach surgery done for weight loss. When this occurs, vitamin B12 from food cannot be absorbed since the intrinsic factor cannot be produced.
• Due to the diet being deficient in vitamin B12, which can happen if you are on a strictly vegetarian diet or if your diet is poor because of alcoholism or aging.
• Because of intestinal disorders which can affect B12 being absorbed, such as intestinal infections and Crohn’s disease.
• There is also a rare genetic disorder wherein children lack the ability of producing intrinsic factor.

How does Pernicious Anemia Affect the Body?

Those who are afflicted with pernicious anemia usually feel weak and tired due to the body not getting enough amounts of oxygen. If this condition is not treated for a long period of time, it can result in serious problems being caused to various parts of the body such as the heart, the nerves, and the digestive tract.

The Heart: In those who are afflicted by pernicious anemia, the heart is forced to work harder so that the tissues and organs of the body get enough oxygen. This causes a lot of stress on the heart, leading to an enlargement of the heart, irregular or fast heartbeats, heart murmurs, or heart failure.

Problems of the heart is caused by the deficiency of vitamin B12 because it results in raising the level of a chemical in the body, known as homocysteine, which can exacerbate the buildup of the deposits of fatty matter in the blood cells, which can cause strokes or heart attacks.

The Nerves: The nerve cells can be damaged by the deficiency of vitamin B12, leading to problems like numbness and tingling in the feet and hands as well as problems with balance and walking. Low levels of vitamin B12 can also result in changes in vision, smell, and taste. Also, it can lead to mental changes, which include confusion and loss of memory.

The Digestive Tract: A vitamin B12 deficiency can affect the tongue’s surface and thin or shrink the stomach’s lining. When any such changes happen in the stomach, it increases the chances of the development of stomach cancer.

What is the Medical Prognosis of Pernicious Anemia?

Generally, pernicious anemia can be treated quite easily with vitamin B12 shots or pills. However, permanent damage to the nerves can occur in some people before they discover they have the condition and get the necessary treatment. Periodic tests for cancer may be done by the doctor since pernicious anemia increases the chances of stomach cancer developing. In general, however, those who get proper treatment, which can last lifelong, can have a lifespan that is normal.