Prevention of iron-deficiency anemia unless there is chronic
loss of blood
There is no need to
take advertised remedies to provide extra iron for "tired blood." If
there is blood loss which is producing anemia, it's important not only that the
anemia be corrected but that the underlying cause be found and corrected.
Pernicious Anemia For red blood cell manufacture in the bone marrow, vitamin
B12 is needed.
The vitamin is present in adequate amounts in any balanced diet.
But for absorption by the body, B12 requires the presence in the stomach of a
substance called "intrinsic factor." In pernicious anemia,
intrinsic factor is lacking or operates inadequately. Vitamin B12 absorption is
then inadequate, and in such patients the vitamin must be administered by injection.
In addition to the common signs for all anemias, pernicious anemia manifests
itself in a ted and sore tongue, difficulty in swallowing, a pale lemon skincolor.
In about 10 percent of patients, there are symptoms from
spinal cord changes such as numbness and tingling in the lower extremities
("pins and needles" sensations) and unsteady gait. Sometimes the
fingers are affected by numbness and tingling. Memory may be affected, and
sometimes even psychotic states may be induced. The nervous system changes are
referred to as "combined system disease" or "posterolateral
sclerosis." It is important that they be recognized for what they are,
especially when they occur before anemia becomes manifest.
If treated early, by vitamin B12 injections, the changes may
be reversed completely; if neglected and treated too late, complete reversal
may not be possible. The diagnosis of pernicious anemia is made through the
characteristic appearance of the blood cells, examination of a bone marrow
sample obtained by simple needle puncture, a finding of acid deficiency in
stomach juice, and by other laboratory tests. It is important that the
diagnosis of pernicious anemia be unequivocal because this condition requires
lifelong care. If correctly diagnosed and treated, the outlook for pernicious
anemia today is excellent. Blood returns to normal.
