Macrocytic anemia

From WikiMD's WELLNESSPEDIA


Macrocytic anemia
Synonyms
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, dizziness
Complications Heart failure, neurological complications
Onset
Duration
Types Megaloblastic anemia, Non-megaloblastic macrocytic anemia
Causes Vitamin B12 deficiency, Folate deficiency, Alcoholism, Liver disease, Hypothyroidism, Medications
Risks Poor diet, alcohol use disorder, malabsorption syndromes
Diagnosis Complete blood count, Peripheral blood smear, Serum vitamin B12 level, Serum folate level
Differential diagnosis Microcytic anemia, Normocytic anemia
Prevention Adequate dietary intake of vitamin B12 and folate
Treatment Vitamin B12 supplementation, Folic acid supplementation, treating underlying causes
Medication N/A
Prognosis Generally good with treatment
Frequency Common in older adults
Deaths N/A


Macrocytic anemia is a type of anemia characterized by larger than normal red blood cells. The term "macrocytic" is derived from the Greek words "makros", meaning large, and "kyticos", meaning cell. This condition is typically diagnosed through a complete blood count (CBC) test, which measures the size of the red blood cells.

Causes[edit]

Macrocytic anemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, and certain medications. Other potential causes include alcoholism, hypothyroidism, and liver disease.

Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of macrocytic anemia can vary depending on the underlying cause, but may include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

Diagnosis[edit]

Macrocytic anemia is typically diagnosed through a complete blood count (CBC) test, which measures the size of the red blood cells. If the red blood cells are found to be larger than normal, further testing may be required to determine the underlying cause.

Treatment[edit]

The treatment for macrocytic anemia typically involves addressing the underlying cause. This may involve supplementation with vitamin B12 or folate, changes in medication, or treatment of underlying conditions such as liver disease or hypothyroidism.

See also[edit]

Stub icon

This WikiMD article can only be edited by registered and verified editors. You can log in or register.


Sponsored Health Resource

W8MD weight loss success

W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep & MedSpa

Looking for physician-supervised weight loss, semaglutide, tirzepatide, or GLP-1 receptor agonist options? W8MD helps eligible patients in New York City, Brooklyn, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and greater Philadelphia with medical weight loss, sleep medicine, and long-term maintenance support.

GLP-1 specials: Affordable GLP-1 injections NYC and Philadelphia starting from $29.99/week and up for semaglutide with insurance accepted for qualifying visits, and $45/week and up for tirzepatide with insurance accepted for qualifying visits. Self-pay options start from $59.99/week and up for semaglutide and $69.99/week and up for tirzepatide.

Book a W8MD appointment · View GLP-1 specials

Paid promotional message. Eligibility, pricing, insurance coverage, medication availability, and results vary. Medical evaluation required.

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Content may be inaccurate or outdated and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical decisions. Verify information with trusted sources such as CDC.gov and NIH.gov. By using this site, you agree that WikiMD is not liable for any outcomes related to its content. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Retrieved from "https://wikimd.org/index.php?title=Macrocytic_anemia&oldid=6542407"