Megaloblastic Anemia

Megaloblastic Anemia General Information

Megaloblastic Pernicious Anemia is a rare disorder in which the organism does not absorb the needed quantity of vitamin B12, it is an autoimmune disease, more common in females and people from Northern Europe and no matter if in juveniles or adults it can be fatal. What really causes this disorder is the lack of an intrinsic factor from the gastric secretions. The intrinsic factor is a substance that facilitates the absorption of the vitamin B12. The persons who lack this intrinsic factor may suffer from a chronic gastritis or they may have had a gastrectomy (which means that one’s stomach is removed entirely or partially).

Megaloblastic Pernicious Anemia can be associated with the family’s history of disease, diabetes or thyroid disease and can be diagnosed at a simple medical examination - a blood test or at a Schilling test which is done to verify the vitamin B12’s absorption, however the bad news is that the Megaloblastic Anemia can lead to “Megaloblastic Madness”, if not treated in time.

Megaloblastic Anemia Symptoms

• weak muscles
• tingling fingers, hands and feet
• Hyper pigmentation can also be seen
• numbness in hands and feet this is why they have a big difficulty in walking
• a significant weight loss
• gastro intestinal symptoms such as: diarrhea or constipation
• inflammations of the mouth and tongue like bleeding gums and smooth and shiny tongue
• in the case of Megaloblastic Madness: a change of personality, memory loss, nerve damage ( that can also cause confusion, impotence, loss of control and spasticity)
• tachycardia that is an increased heart rate which leads to palpitations
• irritability
• depression
• loss of appetite
• headaches and nausea
• lack of energy and tiredness
• a change in the skin’s color which usually leads to a pale skin color
• insomnia, this explains the headaches and nausea
• low body temperature
• chest pain

Megaloblastic Anemia Treatment

• your age, overall health, and the medical history , which is very important when it comes to the treatment
• on which type of anemia you have as the treatment differs from a type to another
• the stage of the disease
• your allergy to specific medications and therapies
• on what you think and what you prefer to do

The treatment for Megaloblastic Anemia can include injections with vitamin B12 and iron supplements, which should be taken at least 2 or 3 months. The foods that are rich in folic acid and vitamin B12 are:

• oranges and orange juice                                   
• liver and meat
• milk and eggs
• sprouts
• wheat germ and cereals
• soy beans and rice
• green, leafy vegetables, asparagus, spinach and broccoli
• beans
• peanuts
• barley
• lentils
• citrus fruits
• berries
• cheese
• fish
• mushrooms
• yeast

Megaloblastic Anemia can be treated also with chirurgical intervention and transfusions, in case the person affected has lost a large quantity of blood. Beside these treatments, there are a few things that can help you prevent the Anemia, no matter what type it is, that includes also Megaloblastic Anemia:

• You should eat food that is rich in iron, such as: chicken, liver, eggs, red meat, iron- fortified cereals
• You should eat or drink substances or even food that helps the absorption of iron like: orange juice, broccoli, fruits that contain vitamin C.
• You should not drink coffee or tea at the same time you have your meal, because the coffee and tea slow down the iron absorption.
• You should have an equilibrated diet rich in vitamin B12 and folic acid.
• You should talk to your doctor or nutritionist to prescribe you iron supplement pills. There are two forms of pills: ferrous and ferric, the first form is easier absorbed by the organism, but like all the other drugs they have side-effects, too, such as: vomiting, constipation and nausea, that is why they should be taken with food and you should start with half of the dose prescribed and gradually increase it until you get to the prescribed one.
• You should also perform a blood test every 5 -10 years to be sure that you do not have Megaloblastic Anemia and it is recommended to start these tests in adolescence in order for you to get accustomed to going to the hospital and being tested.

Mortality from Megaloblastic Anemia is based on the etiology of the disease and as long as it is treated correctly and kept under control, it will not result in death. Megaloblastic Anemia can appear to both females and males, it can be observed in all ethnic and racial groups and it rarely develops in children, the most affected people are those aged from 50 to 60 years.