What are the signs and symptoms of megaloblastic anemia?
Signs & Symptoms Additional common symptoms include aches and pains, muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing (dyspnea). Individuals with megaloblastic anemia may also develop gastrointestinal abnormalities including diarrhea, nausea, and loss of appetite. Some affected individuals may develop a sore, reddened tongue.
What blood test shows megaloblastic anemia?
Testing for megaloblastic anemia is often prompted by the identification of macrocytosis from a CBC; if neurologic symptoms or other clinical features prompt testing, a CBC should be performed. Hemoglobin and hematocrit can be measured to confirm anemia.
Why are the RBCs in B12 and folic acid deficiencies larger than normal?
When you have anemia, your blood can’t bring enough oxygen to all your tissues and organs. Without enough oxygen, your body can’t work as well as it should. Low levels of folic acid can cause megaloblastic anemia. With this condition, red blood cells are larger than normal.
What are the symptoms of enlarged red blood cells?
Symptoms include:
- loss of appetite or weight.
- brittle nails.
- fast heartbeat.
- diarrhea.
- fatigue.
- pale skin, including lips and eyelids.
- shortness of breath.
- poor concentration or confusion.
Who is at risk for megaloblastic anemia?
Common risk factors of megaloblastic anemia include nutritional factors, alcoholism, elderly, pregnant, vegans, and malabsorptive syndromes.
How is megaloblastic anemia treated?
Blind loop syndrome should be treated with antibiotics. Patients with transcobalamin II (TCII) deficiency may require higher doses of cobalamin. Tropical sprue should be treated with both cobalamin and folate. Acute megaloblastic anemias due to nitrous oxide exposure can be treated with folate and cobalamin.
What does it mean if your red blood cells are too large?
Macrocytosis is a condition in which your red blood cells are larger than they should be. While it isn’t a condition of its own, macrocytosis is a sign that you have an underlying health condition and may lead to a severe form of anemia called macrocytic normochromic anemia.
What helps megaloblastic anemia?
Megaloblastic anemia caused by a lack of folate may be treated with oral or intravenous folic acid supplements. Dietary changes also help boost folate levels. More foods to incorporate into your diet include: leafy green vegetables.
How long does it take to recover from megaloblastic anemia?
While most mild neurologic abnormalities that may have arisen in the past 3 months can be expected to improve in up to 90% of patients within about 6 months, those with more prolonged symptoms could take a year to recover completely.