Pernicious Anemia: Symptoms
A type of anemia (low red blood cell count) caused by the body’s inability to absorb vitamin B12.
Part of: Pernicious Anemia
About Signs and Symptoms of Pernicious Anemia
A lack of vitamin B12 (vitamin B12 deficiency) causes the signs and symptoms of pernicious anemia. Without enough vitamin B12, your body can’t make enough healthy red blood cells, which causes anemia.
Some of the signs and symptoms of pernicious anemia apply to all types of anemia. Other signs and symptoms are specific to a lack of vitamin B12.
Signs and Symptoms of Anemia
The most common symptom of all types of anemia is fatigue (tiredness). Fatigue occurs because your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to its various parts.
A low red blood cell count also can cause shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, coldness in your hands and feet, pale or yellowish skin, and chest pain.
A lack of red blood cells also means that your heart has to work harder to move oxygen-rich blood through your body. This can lead to irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias (ah-RITH-me-ahs)… Read more about Pernicious Anemia: Symptoms