Megaloblastic anemia is caused by a deficiency of either vitamin B12 or folate. A deficiency in one of these vitamins can affect the bone marrow’s ability to produce red blood cells. If the condition persists, it can cause fatigue, weakness and a loss of appetite. Symptoms of megaloblastic anemia can vary from person to person. In general, the symptoms are mild and tend to develop slowly. However, symptoms can also be more severe. Therefore, it is important to see your doctor for a diagnosis.
The first step in the treatment of megaloblastic anemia is to determine the causes. There are several possible causes, including medical conditions, drug reactions and dietary insufficiencies. Many of these conditions can be identified on a physical exam. Your doctor may also perform a blood test. They will look for signs of a vitamin deficiency. He or she will examine your blood for abnormally large red blood cells, a decrease in the number of platelets and an increase in hemoglobin. Other tests, such as a bone marrow biopsy, may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
If the condition is caused by a lack of folic acid or vitamin B12, your doctor will need to adjust your diet to provide enough of the nutrients. This can include consuming more foods that contain these vitamins or taking supplements. It can take weeks or months for the effects of a vitamin deficiency to show up in your symptoms.
Depending on the extent of the disease, your doctor may recommend treatment, which could include medications, oral supplements, or even surgery. The goal is to return your body to a healthy state. Some patients may not exhibit any symptoms, and in those cases, the disease may continue to progress for years.
As a result of a vitamin deficiency, the red blood cells in your blood will appear larger than normal. These are the blood cells that transport oxygen throughout the body. When your red blood cells are too big, they are no longer able to deliver the oxygen. For that reason, the patient will experience symptoms of fatigue, muscle weakness, numbness, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
If your blood is low in vitamin B12, your doctor may have you undergo a blood test. During this test, your doctor will take a sample of your blood from your arm vein and send it to a laboratory. Several tests will be performed, including a complete blood count and a reticulocyte count. Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells that are present in the bone marrow. Having too many immature cells in your bone marrow can cause megaloblastic anemia.
Another common symptom of megaloblastic anemia is the development of peripheral neuropathy. This condition causes numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. You may experience other symptoms as well, such as nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Symptoms can worsen as the anemia worsens, making it important to consult your doctor to diagnose and treat the condition.
