D2I2.
autoimmune

Pernicious anaemia

Pernicious is a disease where not enough red blood cells are produced due to a of . Those affected often have a gradual onset. The most common initial symptoms are feeling tired and weak. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, feeling faint, a smooth red tongue, pale skin, chest pain, and vomiting, loss of appetite, , numbness in the hands and feet, difficulty walking, memory loss, muscle weakness, poor reflexes, blurred vision, clumsiness, depression, and confusion. Without treatment, some of these problems may become permanent.

Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.

Symptoms — what it feels like

  • ·Feeling tired, shortness of breath, pale skin, numbness in the hands and feet, confusion, poor reflexes

Causes — why it happens

  • ·Not enough intrinsic factor

How it's found

  • ·Blood tests, bone tests

Prevention

  • ·12
  • ·injections

Treatment

  • ·Vitamin B
  • ·12
  • ·injections

Outlook

  • ·With treatment a normal life
Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.