Patient was educated on signs and symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia as follows:
- Vitamin B12 is required for normal maturation of red blood cells in the human body. Mature red blood cells in circulation help pick up oxygen from the lungs, transport oxygen, and deliver it to the various body tissues.
- Deficiency of vitamin B12 can result in compromised and incomplete maturation of red blood cells. This can result in immature red cells in blood circulation that are poorly functional, in comparison to the mature red blood cells. Immature red blood cells are short-lived and do not survive for the length of time that normal mature red blood cells do. This can result in poor oxygen transport by red blood cells, reduced count of red blood cells, and anemia. Also, these immature red cells from vitamin B12 are big in size and so, this anemia is called megaloblastic anemia.
- Anemic patients with low red blood cell count present with deficient oxygen and nutrient transport to all the body tissues. The major symptoms of anemia arise from deficient transport of oxygen and nutrients by red blood cells and consequent compromised function of various body tissues.
- Vitamin B12 is also needed for synthesis of DNA, which carries the genetic information in all the cells of human body. Normal synthesis of DNA is important for healthy growth and cell division. Deficiency of vitamin B12 can result in compromised genetic material synthesis in all tissues of the body. This can result in defective growth and function of all body tissues, especially the skin and nervous tissues.
- Vitamin B12 helps with the body metabolism of dietary carbohydrates, fats, and protein and energy production.
Consequently, deficiency of Vitamin B12 in patients can present with the following signs and symptoms.
- Reduced oxygen pick-up: Low red cell count in megaloblastic anemia leads to reduced oxygen pick-up in the lungs. Low oxygen pick-up results in deficient oxygen supply to all vital organs.
- Chest pain and discomfort: Heart muscle is highly dependent on oxygen supply for normal function. Anemia, secondary to reduced supply of oxygenated blood to the heart muscle, can result in episodes of chest pain and discomfort.
- Rapid heartbeat: Deficient oxygen supply to vital organs in anemia can compromise their function. So, in the initial stages, the heart can try to compensate, by overworking and beating faster. By doing this, the heart tries to pump more blood and thereby, supply needed oxygen and nutrients to the vital organs that are compromised. This overworking of heart can only be a temporary and short-lived response though.
- Shortness of breath: Low oxygen pick-up in megaloblastic anemic individuals leads to deficient oxygen supply to all vital organs, resulting in dyspnea, compromised endurance, and exacerbation of SOB.
