Pernicious
Pernicious Anemia
Pernicious anemia (pronunciation: /pərˈniSHəs/ /əˈnēmēə/) is a type of anemia that results from the inability of the body to absorb vitamin B12, which is necessary for the production of enough healthy red blood cells.
Etymology
The term "pernicious" comes from the Latin word "perniciosus," meaning "destructive." This term was used to describe the anemia because, before the advent of modern treatments, it was often fatal.
Symptoms
Symptoms of pernicious anemia may include fatigue, weakness, pale or yellowish skin, irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, mental confusion, and loss of appetite.
Causes
Pernicious anemia is caused by a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein made in the stomach that is needed to absorb vitamin B12. This can be due to an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks the cells in the stomach that produce intrinsic factor, or it can be due to other factors such as certain medications or surgical removal of part of the stomach.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of pernicious anemia typically involves blood tests to check levels of vitamin B12, red blood cells, and intrinsic factor antibodies. Additional tests may be done to check for underlying conditions or complications.
Treatment
Treatment for pernicious anemia usually involves replacing the missing vitamin B12 through injections or oral supplements. This treatment often needs to be continued for life to prevent symptoms from returning.
Related Terms
- Anemia: A condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells.
- Vitamin B12: A vitamin that is important for nerve function and the production of DNA and red blood cells.
- Intrinsic factor: A protein made in the stomach that is needed for the body to absorb vitamin B12.
- Autoimmune disease: A condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pernicious
- Wikipedia's article - Pernicious
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