Megaloblastic anemia | Dr Anutosh Chakraborty

Definition [Expert Homeopathy]

Addisonian pernicious anemia: Due to failure in secretion of intrinsic factor by the stomach, responsible for Vitamin B12 absorption other than surgery. It is mainly due to Vitamin B12 and Folic acid deficiency.

Cause

Nutritional: Diet deficient in B12 and folate in vegetarians, infants fed on goat milk or by anemic mothers.

Defective absorption

Tropical spruce

Idiopathic steatorrhea

Gluten-enteriopathy

Short-circuiting of small intestine

Bland or stagnated loop of small intestine contains bacteria which consumes Vitamin B12

Lactation, growing children especially vegetarians

Infancy

Associated with hemolytic anemia

Associated with anticonvulsant therapy

Worms infestation e.g. fish tape worm

Symptoms / Signs

General features of anemia like: weakness, lassitude, pallor, palpitation etc.

Intermittent soreness of tongue with ulcers and rawness

Periodic diarrhea and abdominal pain

Loss of weight

Skin and mucous membrane pale

In severe cases, they become lemon-yellow colored

Later on, mucous membrane of mouth becomes smooth and atrophic

Psychic symptoms: Lassitude, lack of interest in surroundings, depressive psychosis, mania

Neurological: Tenderness of calf muscles, ataxia, spasticity, nystagmus

In Children: mental retardation, tremors

Hyperpigmentation of skin: specially on dorsum of hands, toes. Formation of dark bands over interphalangeal joints, patches on palms and soles tongue, face etc.

Subacute combined degeneration of cord (SACS): absent knee-jerk with up going planters due to polyneuropathy and corticospinal tract involvement...

How to diagnose?

Blood picture

• Macrocytic anemia
• M.C.V increased
• Thrombocytopenia
• Serum B12 level is low

Urine examination: Increased urobilinogen

Gastric analysis: Achlorhydria

Bone marrow examination: Shows megaloblastic reactions

Schilling test is positive

Complication: Gastric carcinoma

Homeopathic medicines and treatment for Megaloblastic anemia

Correction of Vitamin B12 and Folate deficiency.

Only constitutional remedy can help in this case