Pernicious anemia is a blood disease caused by the lack of a
substance (intrinsic factor) that the body needs in order to absorb vitamin B12
from food. Without enough vitamin B12, the body does not produce enough red
blood cells, and cells throughout the body do not get the oxygen they
need.
In pernicious anemia, the body produces antibodies that either
destroy the parietal cells (cells in the stomach that make intrinsic factor) or
that block the action of intrinsic factor. A doctor can diagnose this disease
by doing a blood test that looks for these antibodies.
Symptoms include weakness, numbness in the hands and feet, loss of
appetite, weight loss, and fever. Pernicious anemia can damage the nerve cells
in the brain and spinal column.
The treatment for pernicious anemia is vitamin B12 shots or nasal
spray. Because the body can no longer absorb this vitamin from food, the shots
or nasal spray must be continued for life. In some cases, oral vitamin B12 in
high doses may be taken , but this needs to be closely monitored by your
doctor.
Pernicious anemia most often affects older adults. It is more
common among people in certain parts of the world, especially
Scandinavia.
