Content
Achlorhydria is a situation characterized by the absence of hydrochloric acid (HCl) production by the stomach, increasing the local pH and leading to the appearance of symptoms that can be quite uncomfortable for the person, such as nausea, abdominal swelling, weakness and gastroesophageal reflux.
This situation can have several causes, however it is more often associated with chronic infection by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), but it can also happen as a result of the use of medicines or autoimmune diseases. Due to the various causes of achlorhydria, the treatment can vary according to the cause, it is important that it is done according to the recommendation of the gastroenterologist so that there is improvement of the symptoms.
Causes of achlorhydria
Achlorhydria is most often caused by atrophy of the stomach, and is often related to autoimmune gastritis and chronic gastritis, and is also usually related to infection by the bacterium H. pylori. In addition, achlorhydria can be caused by autoimmune diseases, use of medications to decrease stomach acid and hypothyroidism, for example.
This situation is more common in people who are over 60 and have already undergone surgical procedures on the stomach.
Main symptoms
The signs and symptoms of achlorhydria are related to the absence of hydrochloric acid and elevated stomach pH, and there may be:
- Nausea;
- Reflux;
- Abdominal discomfort and swelling;
- Weakness;
- Diarrhea or constipation;
- Decreased absorption of nutrients such as calcium, folic acid, iron and vitamins C and D, with malnutrition possible;
- Hair loss;
- Indigestion;
- Weight loss.
In addition, as in achlorhydria, the absence of intrinsic factor release 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. This is because the intrinsic factor is also responsible for promoting the absorption of this vitamin in the body. Learn how to identify pernicious anemia.
Another type of anemia that people with achlorhydria can develop is iron deficiency anemia, also known as iron deficiency anemia, as hydrochloric acid also helps in the iron absorption process.
What is the difference between hypochlorhydria and achlorhydria?
Unlike achlorhydria, hypochlorhydria is characterized by decreased hydrochloric acid production. That is, the stomach cells are still able to produce and secrete HCl in the stomach, however in smaller quantities, which also causes the pH of the stomach to increase and lead to the appearance of signs and symptoms that can be quite uncomfortable. Learn more about hypochlorhydria.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of achlorhydria varies according to the cause and, therefore, it is important that the person reports all the symptoms presented to the gastroenterologist or general practitioner and also performs all the tests requested, as this is possible for the doctor to indicate the most appropriate treatment. .However, depending on the cause, the treatment may not be able to completely restore the production of hydrochloric acid, but rather capable of slightly increasing the amount of HCl secreted, characterizing hypochlorhydria.
In the case of achlorhydria being related to infection by H. pylori, the use of antibiotics to treat the infection and prevent other infections that may happen more frequently in people with achlorhydria may be indicated. If it is caused by the use of medications, the doctor must evaluate the possibility of changing or suspending the medication, for example.