US Medical Term · conditions
Pernicious Anemia
Anemia perniciosa
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Pernicious Anemia |
| Spanish (Español) | Anemia perniciosa |
| Chinese (中文) | 惡性貧血 |
| Korean (한국어) | 악성 빈혈 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Thiếu máu ác tính |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Pernicious Anemia |
| Portuguese (Português) | Anemia perniciosa |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | โลหิตจางชนิดร้ายแรง |
| Japanese (日本語) | 悪性貧血 |
What it means
Pernicious anemia is a type of anemia caused by the body's inability to absorb vitamin B12 properly. Vitamin B12 is essential for making red blood cells and maintaining a healthy nervous system. Absorption requires a protein called intrinsic factor made in the stomach. In pernicious anemia, an autoimmune process destroys the stomach cells that make intrinsic factor, leading to B12 deficiency. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pale or yellowish skin, shortness of breath, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, and difficulty with balance and memory. Treatment involves regular vitamin B12 injections or, in some cases, high-dose oral B12 supplements.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have pernicious anemia and receive monthly vitamin B12 injections to treat it.
Tengo anemia perniciosa y recibo inyecciones mensuales de vitamina B12 para tratarla.
I have been feeling more tired and my hands are tingling — I think my B12 levels might be low again.
Me he sentido más cansado y mis manos están hormigueando. Creo que mis niveles de B12 podrían estar bajos de nuevo.
Does my insurance cover B12 injections for treating pernicious anemia at home?
¿Mi seguro cubre las inyecciones de B12 para tratar la anemia perniciosa en casa?
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
D51 Vitamin B12 deficiency anemiaRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026