When the body is deficient in intrinsic factors, a protein made by the parietal cells of the lining of the stomach, pernicious anemia develops. Without it, the ileum cannot adequately absorb vitamin B. The most frequent cause of the condition is an inability to produce intrinsic factors. Adults may have this as a result of stomach removal surgery or chronic gastritis. Megaloblastic anemia’s most prevalent form, pernicious anemia, is brought on by inadequate absorption of vitamin B12. It is characterized by widespread RBC destruction and a deficiency of an intrinsic component, which is necessary for vitamin B12 absorption.

 

Introduction:

 

One inflammatory disorder that contributes to vitamin B12 deficiency is pernicious anemia, which stops your body from receiving vitamin B12. Lack of vitamin B12 results in fewer red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Pernicious anemia can be undiagnosed for several years before symptoms manifest in the body. If left untreated, pernicious anemia can cause serious health issues, including lasting damage to the nervous system. Pernicious anemia is treated by doctors by recommending vitamin B12 supplements.

The human body cannot produce vitamin B12 and the alimentary system absorbs vitamin B12 which is derived from food. It is difficult for the body to absorb any Vitamin B12 without the intrinsic factor created by the stomach lining. The intrinsic factor is produced by ‘parietal cells’ found in the gastric mucosa of the stomach. Thus, the gradual elimination of these parietal cells results in malabsorption anemia and Vitamin B12 insufficiency, which are unavoidable consequences. It has been discovered that auto-immune antibodies affect the intrinsic factor and vitamin B12 binding by mistakenly harming the body’s cells. The parietal cells are likewise targeted by antibodies, which kill them.

 

 

Causes:

 

When the body is deficient in intrinsic factors, a protein made by the parietal cells of the stomach lining, pernicious anemia develops. Without it, the ileum cannot adequately absorb vitamin B12 from food. The most frequent cause of the condition is an inability to produce intrinsic factors. Adults may have this as a result of stomach removal surgery or chronic gastritis. Congenital pernicious anemia is a rare recessive hereditary condition in which the intrinsic factor produced is inadequate. It affects newborns. Autoimmune disorders, in which the body creates antibodies that kill either the stomach lining or the intrinsic factor, are other causes of pernicious anemia.

• Infections (intestinal bacterial overgrowth; parasitic infections)
• Nutrition (starvation, infants’ bad diets, veganism, inadequate intake as a result of hospitalization/dentures, etc.)
• Neomycin, colchicines, and para amino salicylic acid (for tuberculosis) are examples of drugs.
• Chron’s disease, celiac sprue, stomach removal through surgery, etc. are gastrointestinal causes.

 

Symptoms:

 

The more severe your signs and symptoms are, the longer you go lacking enough vitamin B12. Minor signs that people immediately experience could be mistaken for a variety of other common disorders. Examples comprise:

• Both constipation and diarrhea.
• Feeling dizzy when exerting oneself or rising.
• Decrease in appetite.
• Pale complexion (light jaundice or skin or eye yellowing).
• Dyspnea is most commonly experienced after activity.
• Heartburn
• Red or swollen gums or a bleeding tongue

Your neurological system may be impacted by persistently low vitamin B12 levels brought on by pernicious anemia. Potential nervous system issues can manifest as symptoms like:

• Confusion.
• Loss of short-term memory.
• Depression.
• Loss of equilibrium.
• Concentration issues.
• Irritability.
• Hallucinations.
• Delusions.
• Optical nerve degeneration that impairs vision.

 

Diagnosis:

 

To diagnose the presence of pernicious anemia, a thorough clinical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests are required.

• Complete blood count: to show megaloblastic anemia (in which the size of the red blood cells is enlarged)
• The Schillings test is used to determine how fragile red blood cells are.
• To rule out atrophic gastritis, which is known to cause pernicious anemia, a gastroscopy specimen was biopsied.
• Low numbers of the reticulocyte indicate pernicious anemia.
• Only necessary when the diagnosis is unclear is a bone marrow biopsy
• Megaloblastic anemias are associated with elevated serum LDH levels.

Tests to measure serum levels of vitamin B12 are also carried out:

• Vitamin B12: Even though the body has a low level of vitamin B12 overall, the level of the vitamin in the blood may be normal or borderline.
• Another B vitamin that may be deficient when the B12 level is low is folic acid (also known as folate). Anaemia can be brought on by a folic acid deficiency.
• Homocysteine: Lack of folic acid or vitamin B12 causes anemia, which causes homocysteine levels to be high. Because this vitamin is depleted more quickly and there is a higher dietary requirement, folate insufficiency is more prevalent. The B12 level in the blood may be normal in this situation.

 

Homeopathic Treatment for Pernicious Anemia:

 

B12 supplementation is a component of homeopathic treatment. Aside from that, homeopathic drugs have a strong ability to modulate the immune system. Homeopathic medicines can stop the generation of autoantibodies against the intrinsic factor and the subsequent death of the parietal cells. The causes of pernicious anemia are the focus of homeopathic treatments. Pernicious anemia is advised for homeopathic treatment. In terms of therapeutic treatment, there are a number of options for treating pernicious anemia that can be chosen based on the etiology, symptoms, and modality of the complaints. The following treatments are effective in the management of pernicious anemia:

Several medications include Arsenic Album, Calcaria Carb, Carcinosin, Crotolus H, Manganum Act, Natrum Mur, Phosphorous, Picric Acid, Thyreoidinum, Trinitrotoluenum, Ferrum Met, Sulphur, and Ferrum Phos.

Phosphorus and picric acid are the most successful natural homeopathic remedies for pernicious anemia. Extreme weakness and prostration are the signs that aid in choosing picric acid. There is a very noticeable weakness and you feel exhausted all the time. There is frequent tingling and a pins-and-needles sensation in the limbs. Additionally, there is a reluctance to do any form of job. When hands and arms are numb, the homeopathic medicine phosphorus is really helpful. Additionally, long-lasting diarrhea is accompanied by weakness. People who can benefit from the homeopathic drug phosphorus frequently exhibit an increased craving for ice cream and icy beverages.

 

Precautions for Pernicious Anemia:

 

Pernicious anemia cannot be stopped from arising. However, you can lessen your risk by being aware of the illnesses, therapies, and daily routines that might interfere with your body’s absorption of vitamin B12. Ask your doctor if you are at risk for pernicious anemia and what you can do to prevent vitamin B12 deficiency if you are worried about it.

You will require vitamin B12 tablets on a regular basis for the rest of your life if you have pernicious anemia. By increasing the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, you may be able to treat other B12 insufficiency reasons. Adding the following foods to your diet is a good idea:

• Cereals for breakfast that have vitamin B12 added.
• Meats including beef, chicken, fish, and liver.
• Dairy items (including milk, yogurt, and cheese) and eggs.
• Foods like soy-based drinks and vegetarian burgers have been fortified with vitamin B12.