Gastric achylia: understanding and treatment
Gastric achylia, also known as apepsia, is a medical condition characterized by insufficient or absent secretion of gastric juices containing digestive enzymes. This condition can affect the digestive process and cause a variety of symptoms that require diagnosis and treatment.
Initially, the term “gastric achylia” was used to refer to the complete absence of gastric juice secretion, but over time it began to be used to describe its insufficient secretion. The main cause of gastric achylia is damage or loss of cells responsible for the secretion of gastric juice, especially parietal cells that synthesize hydrochloric acid and factor B12.
One of the most common symptoms of gastric achylia is dyspepsia, which manifests itself as a feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the upper abdomen, belching, heartburn, nausea and constipation. Patients may also experience malnutrition and weight loss due to incomplete digestion and lack of nutrients.
Various methods may be used to diagnose gastric achylia, including endoscopy with biopsy, gastrointestinal function tests, and measuring stomach acid levels. It is important to rule out other diseases that may mimic the symptoms of gastric achylia, such as a stomach ulcer or gastritis.
Treatment of gastric achylia is aimed at eliminating symptoms and preventing complications. This may include the following measures:
- Prescribing drugs that stimulate the secretion of gastric juice, such as drugs with hydrochloride or pancreatic enzymes.
- Regulating your diet, including eating small and frequent meals, avoiding spicy and fatty foods, and increasing your protein intake.
- Taking medications that improve digestion, such as digestive enzymes and probiotics.
- Correction of nutritional deficiencies, including vitamins and minerals, especially folic acid and vitamin B12, when deficient.
- Surgery may be required in cases where conservative treatment does not lead to improvement or in the presence of other complications.
It is important to note that treatment of gastric achylia should be carried out under the supervision and guidance of a physician. Each case is individual, and the treatment approach will depend on the specific situation and symptoms of the patient.
Although gastric achylia can be a chronic condition, managing symptoms and maintaining normal digestion is usually possible with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes. Early consultation with a doctor and an accurate diagnosis will help determine the best approach to treatment and achieve optimal results for the patient.
In conclusion, gastric achylia is a condition characterized by insufficient or absent gastric acid secretion, which can cause digestive problems and associated symptoms. Diagnosis and treatment of gastric achylia require attention to the patient's symptoms and cooperation with a medical specialist. Appropriate measures, such as medications to stimulate gastric acid secretion and dietary regulation, can help improve digestion and relieve symptoms in patients with gastric achylia.
Achylia of the stomach is a pathological condition caused by insufficient production of gastric juice and pepsin or a violation of the composition of gastric contents. The term "achilia" means the absence of gastric juice. The Greek prefix β- denotes the absence of hydrochloric acid.
Ahilia can be either permanent or temporary. Due to the lack of hydrochloric acid, both the chemical composition of gastric juice and enzymatic activity change. Normally, the stomach can contain only three of the nine enzymes produced. The remaining six enzymes are produced by the pancreas. When these enzymes do not break down food, its digestibility is impaired, it rots in the intestines, is not digested, dyspepsia develops, and stool becomes foul-smelling and contains worms. The disease is usually accompanied by a violation of general metabolism, a decrease in the acidity of the body in children and women in menopause.