Macrocytic Anemia Symptoms

The term 'macrocytosis' refers to the enlargement of the red blood cells. This condition is usually diagnosed incidentally while one's blood sample is being examined. Macrocytosis can be present as an isolated blood anomaly or may also coexist with other conditions that signify abnormal changes in the blood count.

Macrocytic anemia is one such condition wherein the total blood hemoglobin concentration is lower than the normal range and the size of the red blood cells is also larger than normal. The enlargement of red blood cells may be caused due to medical conditions that may range from benign to very serious ones.

A person suffering from enlargement of red blood cells in absence of other blood abnormalities may not exhibit any specific symptoms. A person suffering from macrocytic anemia, however, may experience specific symptoms. In this article, we will look into macrocytic anemia symptoms along with the treatment options.

As mentioned earlier, macrocytosis is usually asymptomatic and a person suffering from this condition may not exhibit typical symptoms. One may, however, experience symptoms if one is diagnosed with macrocytic anemia.

Macrocytic anemia is classified into megaloblastic and non-megaloblastic anemia. The term 'megaloblast' refers to an abnormally large red blood cell. Megaloblastic anemia may be seen in people suffering from pernicious anemia or certain types of nutritional deficiencies.

For instance, a vitamin B12 deficiency may adversely affect the process of DNA synthesis in the red blood cells, which in turn, may lead to the enlargement of red blood cells. On the other hand, non-megaloblastic anemia refers to a type of macrocytic anemia which is caused mainly due to alcohol abuse.

Chronic alcoholism and substance abuse also figure in the list of risk factors for non-megaloblastic macrocytic anemia. Liver disease, folate deficiency, leukemia or bone marrow problems may cause this type of anemia.

Pernicious anemia is one of the most common causes of megaloblastic anemia that commonly affects the elderly. This is one of the types of anemia that mainly affects people suffering from a deficiency of vitamin B12. Pernicious anemia is characterized by the body's inability to absorb vitamin B12. The poor absorption is mainly attributed to the decreased secretion of the intrinsic factor by the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract.

Fatigue, sore mouth, sore tongue, pale skin, palpitations, shortness of breath, diarrhea or headaches are some of the symptoms that may be experienced by the patient. Infections or prolonged use of certain drugs may also make one susceptible to this medical condition.

Macrocytic anemia may also be seen in cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. Severe hypothyroidism, reticulocytosis, aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome or use of drugs that affect the synthesis of DNA may also be responsible for causing macrocytic anemia.

Blood tests and blood culture provide valuable insights into the size, volume as well as the structure of the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

The values associated with the total amount of hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) help the doctors ascertain whether the red blood cells are healthy or not.

The hematological values can help the doctors formulate a diagnosis regarding blood abnormalities. Under normal circumstances, the MCV, i.e., the average red blood cell volume or size, lies in the range of 80 to 100 femtoliters. One is diagnosed with macrocytosis when MCV is higher than 100 femtoliters.

In healthy individuals, MCH, which is the average amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell usually ranges from 27 to 31 picogram/cell. For a person who has been diagnosed with macrocytosis, the value of MCH is usually higher than normal. MCHC, which is the concentration of hemoglobin per red blood cell, generally lies within 31-36 grams/deciliter in healthy individuals. The value of MCHC may also be raised in people diagnosed with macrocytic anemia.

Besides these blood tests, checking the reticulocyte count, serum folate levels and undergoing a bone marrow examination may also provide useful information. Macrocytic anemia treatment is basically aimed at treating the underlying condition.

If one is suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency, doctors may prescribe supplements or recommend the administration of vitamin B12 shots so as to correct the deficiency. Blood transfusion may be required for those suffering from severe anemia. Doctors may also follow a symptomatic approach and prescribe drugs for alleviating the symptoms of macrocytic anemia.

While dietary supplements or shots may help in alleviating the symptoms of mild macrocytic anemia, extensive treatment would be required if leukemia or a bone marrow disorder turns out to be the underlying cause. One would also need to pay attention to one's dietary habits and make the right lifestyle choices.

It's extremely essential that one's diet fulfills the body's requirements of all the essential nutrients. Alcoholism or substance abuse can put one at an increased risk of developing this condition, and it's essential that one refrains from consumption of alcohol or harmful drugs.

On a concluding note, macrocytosis, in itself, may not cause any typical symptoms, but when macrocytosis coexists with anemia, one is most likely to experience certain symptoms.

If blood tests reveal the presence of enlarged red blood cells, and the patient is also exhibiting the aforementioned symptoms, diagnostic tests must be conducted to identify the underlying cause. Drug therapy coupled with dietary modifications can surely help in managing the symptoms.

Since nutritional deficiencies often emerge as the underlying cause of this blood disorder, one must make sure that the body's needs for essential nutrients are fulfilled.