Question

1. Compare the signs/symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, B12 deficiency anemia, and folic acid deficiency anemia.

Answer 1

Ans) Iron deficiency anemia:

Weakness
• Fatigue
• Pallor
• Decreased exercise tolerance
• Tachycardia
• Dyspnea
• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Smooth, sore tongue (means most common)
• Brittle and ridged nails*

B12 deficiency anemia:

Mild cases of megaloblastic anemias may produce few signs and symptoms
• Often diagnosed with routine CBC
• Symptoms associated with folate deficiency develop more rapidly
• Severe vitamin B12 deficiency: marked anemia; smooth, shiny, red tongue; and neurologic deficits (loss of proprioception, peripheral neuropathy, paresthesias, ataxia, altered balance)
• Symptoms resolve with correction of deficiency.

Folic acid deficiency anemia:

- The symptoms of anemia that occur due to folate deficiency include:

• persistent fatigue

• weakness

• lethargy

• pale skin

• shortness of breath

• irritability