Tired? Constant Headaches? Difficult concentrating. These are just some of the symptoms of Pernicious Anaemia and signs that your body is not getting enough oxygen to its tissues. Book your Health Test today with a medical profession to discover answers and total peace of mind.
Pernicious Anaemia is an autoimmune condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in your stomach. The cells in your stomach produce a protein called ‘intrinsic factor’, which helps your body to absorb the Vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 is essential for a healthy nervous system and brain. It is also used in the production of red blood cells which is important for your energy levels. Red blood cells carry essential oxygen from your lungs to your body’s tissues.
If your body is not producing enough intrinsic factor, your body cannot absorb Vitamin 12, which then leads to a deficiency. Pernicious Anaemic is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK.
What are the symptoms of Pernicious Anaemia?
If you’re deficient, common symptoms include:
- tiredness
- weakness
- pins and needles
- heart palpitations
- shortness of breath
- headaches
- difficulty concentrating
How do I get tested for Pernicious Anaemia?
You can measure Vitamin B12 levels with a simple blood test. The blood test will measure the amount of Vitamin B12 in your blood. If it is low, then it could indicate Pernicious Anaemia.
You can also check whether your levels of Vitamin B12 are improving by a blood test if you are receiving Vitamin B12 injections to treat Pernicious Anaemia.
“If you are tired, have shortness of breath or have difficulty concentrating, then it could be a sign of Pernicious Anaemia. Pernicious Anaemia prevents your body from absorbing Vitamin B12 which is essential for creating red blood cells, to transport oxygen around the body.”
Key points:
- If you are tired, have shortness of breath or have difficulty concentrating, then it could be a sign of Pernicious Anaemia.
- Pernicious Anaemia prevents your body from absorbing Vitamin B12 which is essential for creating red blood cells, to transport oxygen around the body.
- Get tested for peace of mind and to find the answer to any symptoms you may have.
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How a Sample is Taken
For the Pernicious Anaemia Health Test, a sample of your blood is taken and tested for ‘Biomarkers’ which show whether you have enough Vitamin B12 in your blood or not. If you have a low amount of Vitamin B12 in your blood, then it could indicate Pernicious Anaemia.
With most health tests, there are two options for taking a sample of blood, which is used to test for certain biomarkers. The two most common options are a finger-prick or venous draw:
Finger prick Draw:
Health Tests that take blood via the ‘finger-prick’ method are usually done within the comfort of your own home, enabling you to take a small amount of blood discreetly and conveniently when you want to.
Venous Draw:
Once you have booked your health test, you’ll be sent the blood kit which includes all the equipment needed for a professional blood draw by an experienced healthcare professional, with clinics available across the UK to take your sample.
Details about which option is available for this health test, are available when you compare the results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How severe is Pernicious Aneamia?
Pernicious Anaemia causes reduced levels of oxygen in the body, which products general symptoms of fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath. Left untreated, it can cause severe or long-lasting damage to the nervous system and other organs in the body.
Can Pernicious Anaemia be cured?
Through prescribed treatment from a doctor, it is possible to treat Pernicious Anaemia and Vitamin B-12 deficiency. Like any condition, the first step is to diagnose the issue
What are the symptoms of Pernicious Anaemia?
Common symptoms include tiredness, weakness, pins and needles in hands and feet, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, headaches and difficulty concentrating. Other less-common symptoms include loss of appetite, jaundice and impaired sense of smell. If you are experiencing any symptoms, we recommend being tested or to contact your doctor or health professional immediately.
What does anaemia fatigue feel like?
If you’re feeling tired and weak, have trouble sleeping or cannot endure moderate exercise, then it could be a sign of aneamia. Anemia causes the body not to produce enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around your body, to your tissues, which causes tiredness and fatigue.
Can I get Anaemia if I’m vegan or vegetarian?
It is possible to get a Vitamin B12 deficiency, and therefore anaemia, if you are not receiving enough Vitamin B12 in your diet. Vitamin B12 is commonly found in foods like milk, egg, and meat and in vegetables like spinach, beetroot, potatoes, and mushrooms. Fruits do not contain high levels of Vitamin B12.
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