PERNICIOUS ANEMIA Meaning and
Definition
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Pernicious anemia is a medical condition characterized by a decrease in the number of healthy red blood cells due to the body's inability to adequately absorb vitamin B12. This type of anemia is considered pernicious because it can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.
Vitamin B12 is predominantly obtained from animal-based foods and is crucial for the creation of red blood cells in the bone marrow. In pernicious anemia, a specific protein called intrinsic factor, produced by cells in the stomach lining, is either absent or insufficient. This protein is essential for the absorption of vitamin B12 within the small intestine.
As a result, individuals with pernicious anemia experience a deficiency in vitamin B12, leading to the disruption of red blood cell production. Symptoms can vary but commonly include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin, and cognitive impairment.
If left untreated, pernicious anemia can cause serious complications such as nerve damage, neurological disorders, and even death. Treatment typically involves regular injections of vitamin B12 to bypass the impaired absorption process. In some cases, oral vitamin B12 supplements or high-dose tablets may also be recommended.
Regular monitoring is essential to ensure proper management of pernicious anemia and to prevent the occurrence of complications. With appropriate treatment, the symptoms associated with pernicious anemia can be managed effectively, allowing individuals to lead normal, healthy lives.
Common Misspellings for PERNICIOUS ANEMIA
- oernicious anemia
- lernicious anemia
- -ernicious anemia
- 0ernicious anemia
- pwrnicious anemia
- psrnicious anemia
- pdrnicious anemia
- prrnicious anemia
- p4rnicious anemia
- p3rnicious anemia
- peenicious anemia
- pednicious anemia
- pefnicious anemia
- petnicious anemia
- pe5nicious anemia
- pe4nicious anemia
- perbicious anemia
- permicious anemia
- perjicious anemia
- pernocious anemia
Etymology of PERNICIOUS ANEMIA
The term "pernicious anemia" comes from Latin and Old English origins. The word "pernicious" originated from the Latin word "perniciosus", meaning "ruinous" or "destructive". It is derived from the combination of the prefix "per-" (meaning "completely" or "thoroughly") and the noun "nex" (meaning "death"). In this context, "pernicious" refers to the serious and harmful nature of the condition.
The term "anemia" comes from the Old English word "anēamia", which is a combination of "an", meaning "lacking", and "hēam", meaning "blood". It refers to a condition characterized by a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells or a decrease in the quantity of hemoglobin in the blood.
Similar spelling words for PERNICIOUS ANEMIA
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