Pernicious anemia history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

The presentation of pernicious anaemia resembles that of any other form of anaemia, but is often accompanied by the manifestations of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency (notably neurological abnormalities such as peripheral neuropathy), as well as by other manifestations of autoimmune atrophic gastritis.

People with mild anemia may have no symptoms or very mild symptoms. More typical symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia include:

• Diarrhea or constipation
• Fatigue, lack of energy, or light-headedness when standing up or with exertion
• Loss of appetite
• Pale skin
• Problems concentrating
• Shortness of breath, mostly during exercise
• Swollen, red tongue or bleeding gums
• Nerve damage caused by vitamin B12 deficiency that has been present for a longer time may cause:

• Confusion or change in mental status (dementia) in severe or advanced cases
• Depression
• Loss of balance
• Numbness and tingling of hands and feet

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