Pernicious anemia, which is sometimes also called megaloblastic anemia, is a particular type of anemia that is caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Pernicious anemia is caused by a lack of vitamin B12 in the diet, as with strict vegans. More often, pernicious anemia occurs because the person is unable to absorb vitamin B12 from the stomach and small intestine.
We need vitamin B12 to make red blood cells and for our nerves to function properly. Thus, it makes sense that the symptoms of pernicious anemia are related to red blood cell abnormalities and nervous system problems. There may also be gastrointestinal symptoms.
Nervous System Symptoms
In pernicious anemia, nervous symptoms may be the first to appear. They may also be the last to disappear after pernicious anemia is treated, and they may be permanent. The most common early symptom of pernicious anemia is tingling in the hands or feet. Over time, you develop an unsteady gait, and eventually a characteristic "scissor" gait. Later nervous symptoms of pernicious anemia include impaired sense of smell, positive Babinski's reflex, and sluggish deep tendon reflexes. Personality changes may occur, including permanent psychosis, which used to be called "megaloblastic madness."
Gastrointestinal System Symptoms
People with pernicious anemia often lose their appetite, have a chronically upset stomach, and diarrhea. They may have a sore tongue and sores in their mouths. Some people with pernicious anemia develop gastric polyps and gastric cancer.
Red Blood Cell Symptoms
Red blood cells in pernicious anemia are large and misshapen, which is why pernicious anemia is sometimes called megaloblastic anemia (mega=large, blast=cell). Abnormal red blood cells do not carry oxygen as well as normal ones. In addition, there are fewer blood cells. This results in not enough oxygen being delivered to body tissues. The pallor, fatigue, aches and pains you experience with pernicious anemia are a result of not enough oxygen being delivered to the tissues.
Whenever your body tissues don't get enough oxygen, your heart must work harder to pump as much blood as possible to those tissues. Your heart rate goes up, and your blood pressure goes down. Your lungs try to supply more oxygen, too, so you become short of breath. Eventually, however, these compensatory mechanisms begin to fail. When this happens, you may have chest pains because your heart doesn't get enough oxygen. Your kidneys and other systems may begin to shut down. Unchecked pernicious anemia can result in shock and death.
People who have pernicious anemia cannot get the amount of vitamin B12 they need in their diet or by taking ordinary supplements. Until recently, the only way to treat pernicious anemia was with vitamin B12 injections. Now, the B12 Patch is available. With this patch the vitamin B12 is absorbed through the skin, and offers a painless way to treat pernicious anemia.
