Symptoms
In adults, symptoms of pernicious anemia are usually not seen until after age 30. The average age of diagnosis is age 60.
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Tiredness
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Headaches
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Chest pain
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Weight loss
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Shortness of breath
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Dizziness
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Diarrhoea or constipation
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Coldness, numbness or tingling in your hands and feet
- Pale or yellowish skin
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Loss of appetite
- Swollen, red tongue or bleeding gums
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Confusion
- Depression
Causes
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Weakened stomach lining (atrophic gastritis).
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An autoimmune condition in which the body immune system attacks intrinsic factor protein or the cells that make it.
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Certain drugs used for other conditions may affect the absorption of vitamin B12 e.g.:- metformin.
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Dietary causes especially vegans who do not take animal or dairy products.