Living with Pernicious anemia
A condition in which the body can't properly use vitamin B12, leading to anemia and sometimes gut and nerve symptoms.
Understanding Pernicious anemia
It is mainly marked by anemia (too few red blood cells). People may also have gut problems and nerve symptoms such as tingling, weakness, and clumsiness. It is also called Biermer's disease.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD says they may include:
- Anemia (too few red blood cells)
- Gut problems
- Tingling or pins and needles (paresthesia)
- Weakness
- Clumsiness
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Autoimmune Association may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Autoimmune Association
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Autoimmune Association
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says pernicious anemia is thought to be autoimmune, which means the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. GARD also lists it as autosomal dominant.
Also known as: acquired pernicious anaemia; acquired pernicious anemia; addison anaemia; addison anemia; addison-biermer anaemia; addison-biermer anemia
Patient organizations
- Autoimmune AssociationPernicious anemia · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Pernicious anemia.
Explore research for Pernicious anemia
Explore actively recruiting Pernicious anemia studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Pernicious anemia with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper
I can help you find recruiting Pernicious anemia studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
Get Signals for Pernicious anemia
Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.
Create a living journal that talks back
HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Pernicious anemia experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.
Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.