Aclorhydria is a situation characterized by the absence of hydrochloric acid (HCl) production by the stomach, increasing local pH and leading to symptoms that can be quite uncomfortable for the person, such as nausea, abdominal swelling, weakness and gastroesophageal reflux.
This can have several causes, but is most often associated with chronic infection by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori), but it can also occur as a result of the use of autoimmune drugs or diseases., treatment may vary by cause, and it is important that it is done according to the gastroenterologist’s recommendations for an improvement in symptoms.
- Aclorhydria is most often caused by stomach atrophy.
- Often related to autoimmune gastritis and chronic gastritis.
- And is also commonly linked to H infection.
- Pylori.
- In addition.
- Aclorhydria can be caused by autoimmune diseases.
- Such as the use of drugs to reduce heartburn and hypothyroidism.
This situation is most common in people over the age of 60 who have had stomach surgeries.
Signs and symptoms of aclorhydria are related to the absence of hydrochloric acid and high gastric pH, and there may be:
In addition, as in aclorhydria, the lack of release of the intrinsic factor by parietal stomach cells is common, it is also common for the person to develop pernicious anemia, which is a type of anemia characterized by vitamin B12 deficiency.the intrinsic factor is also responsible for promoting the absorption of this vitamin into the body.Learn how to identify pernicious anemia.
Another type of anemia that people with aclorhydria may develop is iron deficiency anemia, also known as iron deficiency anemia, because hydrochloric acid also contributes to the iron absorption process.
Unlike aclorhydria, hypochloride is characterized by a decrease in hydrochloric acid production, i.e. stomach cells can still produce and secrete HCl in the stomach, but in smaller amounts, which also results in an increase in stomach pH and the appearance of signs and symptoms that can be quite annoying.Learn more about hypochloride.
Treatment of aclorhydria varies depending on the cause and it is therefore important that the person reports all symptoms to the gastroenterologist or family doctor and also performs all the necessary tests, as this way the doctor may indicate the most appropriate treatment… However, depending on the cause, treatment may not be able to fully restore hydrochloric acid production, but slightly increase the amount of HCl secreted, which characterizes hypochloride.
If aclorhydria is related to an H infection.pylori, antibiotics may be indicated to treat infection and prevent other infections that may occur most often in people with aclorhydria.If it is caused by medication use, your doctor should consider changing or stopping medication, for example.