Pernicious Anemia Signs and Symptoms

Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune condition which occurs as a result of the destruction of the lining of the stomach. This makes you unable to make intrinsic factor, a substance necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 from the intestinal tract.  The result is a deficiency of vitamin B12.  Pernicious anemia occurs equally among men and women, typically between the ages of forty and seventy.  We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms of pernicious anemia below.

Also, we have information on diagnosis, helpful books and valuable resources for patients.

The Signs and Symptoms of Pernicious Anemia are as follows:

• Pale yellowish skin
• Cognitive difficulties
• Clumsiness and unsteady gait that is worse in the dark
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heartbeat
• Smooth red tongue in 50 percent of patients
• Lack of appetite
• Weight loss due to lack of appetite
• Anemia
• Low-grade fever
• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea, vomiting
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Headache
• Loss of bladder control
• Impaired sense of smell
• Premature whitening of the hair

Diagnosis of Pernicious Anemia

Pernicious anemia is diagnosed through various blood tests, including blood tests for vitamin B12 levels and folic acid, iron level tests, and measurements of methylmalonic acid and homocysteine.  Other tests include testing for antibodies for intrinsic factor, and a Schilling test to measure cobalamine absorption.

Books for People With Signs and Symptoms of Pernicious Anemia

Pernicious Anemia Resources

General Patient Resources

• Absolute Astronomy

Facts, discussion forum and encyclopedia article.

http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Pernicious_anemia

• Pernicious Anaemia Society

A charitable organisation based in the UK supporting people with pernicious anaemia world-wide, providing a supporting forum.

http://www.pernicious-anaemia-society.org/

• Better Medicine

Information Including Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Causes, Videos, Forums, and local community support.

http://www.bettermedicine.com/article/pernicious-anemia

• Wellsphere

A discussion on Pernicious Anemia in a forum with thousands of health experts and people like you. Get answers to your questions, and hear what others think.

http://www.wellsphere.com/discussion-forum/pernicious-anemia

• MD junction

Pernicious Anemia Forums. Discussions, Q&A and friends dealing with Pernicious Anemia.

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/pernicious-anemia-discussions

Medical Resources

• Medicine Net . com

Questions and answers, patient discussions on symptoms at onset of disease, and treatments.

http://www.medicinenet.com/pernicious_anemia/article.htm

• Medline Plus

A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000569.htm

• Medscape Reference

A division of Web MD Professional.

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/204930-overview