Pernicious Anemia B12 Deficiency Neuro Gastro Hemato (Coursework Sample)

Pernicious Anemia B12 Deficiency Neuro Gastro HematoInstitution affiliationStudent’s name Pernicious anemia (PA) is a condition in which an individual’s red blood cells count is low due to vitamin B12 deficiency because of the lack of a substance known as an intrinsic factor (IF) that is produced in the stomach lining. It is a state stimulated by low levels of vitamin B12 in the body. For this case, it is termed as a form of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Vitamin B12 is vital in the body system as it helps in the production of the erythrocytes cells and keeping the nerve cells healthy. The sources of vitamin B12 include fish, eggs, milk, meat, and other dairy products (Bizzaro & Antico, 2014). Deb Smith is suffering from PA. PA symptoms are categorized into general symptoms that include weight loss and very low fever. Cardiac symptoms that include an accelerated heart rate, congestive heart failure, and coronary insufficiency. Gastrointestinal symptoms that include smooth tongue with the loss of papillae and constipation. Paresthesia and ataxia are neurological symptoms of PA that occur in rare cases among patients. Deb’s practitioner inquiry on these symptoms is vital as it helps in understanding the severity of PA (Stabler, 2013). Paresthesia is defined as an abnormal sensation, usually pricking or tingling that is caused primarily by the damaged peripheral nerves. Ataxia is the total loss of body control. Neurological symptoms like paresthesia an ataxia indicate that PA has intensified and quick action ought to be taken to overcome unwanted circumstances such as death (Scott & Molloy, 2012). Detection of PA before it becomes severe to the extent of affecting the nerve system is vital. The treatment of PA is mainly done through the administration of Vitamin B12 either through pills or through injections. There appears to be some confusion among practitioners whether intramuscular injection or oral administration is preferable for patient demanding vitamin B12 therapy. However, the treatment of PA, either of the two methods is workable. In most cases, oral medication has been advocated compared to vitamin B12 injections because of the cost effectiveness of pills compared to shots (Hernandez & Oo, 2015). However, the utilization of vitamin B12 injection is vital in some cases. Deb Smith PA case is severe which calls for injections over pills. When a patient has a severe PA, the doctor recommends shots first which are usually given in a muscle every day until the levels of vitamin B12 increases in the blood stream. For less severe PA cases, large doses of vitamin B12 are recommended (Stabler, 2013). The primary cause of PA is low levels of vitamin B12 in the body. The key reason for vitamin B12 insufficiency is the loss of parietal cells in the stomach lining. Parietal cells produce IF which assist the body in the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestines (Stabler, 2013). Because of the attack on the immune system, the lining of the stomach shrinks causing the disappearance of parietal cells in the stomach. As a ...