Diseases
pernicious anemia
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Pernicious anaemia is an autoimmune condition that affects your stomach. An autoimmune condition means your immune system, the body's natural defence system that protects against illness and infection, attacks your body's healthy cells. Vitamin B12 is combined with a protein called intrinsic factor in your stomach.
Symptoms
- diarrhea or constipation.
- lightheadedness when standing up or with exertion.
- loss of appetite.
- pale skin (mild jaundice or yellowing of your eyes or skin).
- shortness of breath (dyspnea), mostly during exercise.
Causes
- pernicious anemia is an autoimmune condition that happens when your immune system produces antibodies that attack cells in the mucosal lining of your stomach and nerve cells.
- immune system’s response affects your body’s ability to absorb vitamin b12.
Risk factors
- surgery to remove part or all of your stomach, which eliminates the cells that e
- tapeworms which feed on vitamin b12.
Diagnosis
- complete blood count (cbc)
- vitamin b12 level.
- lactate dehydrogenase (ldh) levels
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is pernicious anemia?
Pernicious anaemia is an autoimmune condition that affects your stomach. An autoimmune condition means your immune system, the body's natural defence system that protects against illness and infection, attacks your body's healthy cells. Vitamin B12 is combined with a protein called intrinsic factor in your stomach.
What are the symptoms of pernicious anemia?
diarrhea or constipation., lightheadedness when standing up or with exertion., loss of appetite., pale skin (mild jaundice or yellowing of your eyes or skin)., shortness of breath (dyspnea), mostly during exercise.
What causes pernicious anemia?
pernicious anemia is an autoimmune condition that happens when your immune system produces antibodies that attack cells in the mucosal lining of your stomach and nerve cells.; immune system’s response affects your body’s ability to absorb vitamin b12.
Which medicines are used for pernicious anemia?
cyanocobalamin, vitamin b12
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