Hypochlorhydria

Hypochlorhydria is a condition in which there is a decrease in the level of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. This is a consequence of decreased secretion of gastric juice. Hypochlorhydria is often considered a precursor to achlorhydria, which is characterized by a complete lack of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

Hydrochloric acid plays an important role in digestion as it helps break down proteins and other nutrients. In addition, the secretion of hydrochloric acid also plays an important role in protecting the body from bacteria and other microorganisms that may enter the stomach along with food.

Hypochlorhydria can be caused by a variety of reasons, including age-related changes, stress, infections, certain medications, and nutritional disorders. Some studies have also linked hypochlorhydria to various diseases, including autoimmune diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, and peptic ulcers.

Symptoms of hypochlorhydria may include a feeling of heaviness in the stomach after eating, heartburn, belching, feeling unsatisfied after eating, and increased sensitivity to cold and hot foods. The diagnosis of hypochlorhydria can be made based on gastric content analysis, which shows the level of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

Treatment for hypochlorhydria may include dietary changes, taking stomach acid supplements or dietary enzymes, and treating the underlying disease that caused the condition. It is important to note that self-medicating hypochlorhydria can lead to serious consequences, so it is necessary to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

In conclusion, hypochlorhydria is a serious condition that can lead to various health problems. If you have digestive-related symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and proper treatment.

Hypochlorhydria is a decrease in the acidity of gastric juice and impaired secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. The causes of hypochlorhydia are organic and functional. Under pathological conditions, the secretion of HCl, as one of the main digestive juices, may decrease.

Hypochlorhydia can be classified as a congenital and hereditary pathology - approximately 20-30% of people have genetic disorders in the palatine process of the stomach, which contributes to the inability to produce a sufficient amount of hydrochloric acid. It is more common in women - about 75% of cases. The reasons for the decrease in acidity in the stomach may be of a physiological nature, thereby ensuring the likelihood of the disease developing in the carrier of the disorder. If we talk about functional reasons, then most often these are poor nutrition, pregnancy, overwork, stress. Hypochilia and its progression are contraindications for certain types of operations, because this will lead to complications during wound healing after surgery. Hypochilia often occurs during an inflammatory process in the gastrointestinal tract of various etiologies, when secretion decreases and digestion is disrupted. May be accompanied by a number of diseases: scarlet fever, tuberculosis, ulcers, etc. This disease involves not only a reduced level of hydrochloric acid, but also its metabolites, which are stimulants of pepsin activity. A person with this diagnosis increases the risk of developing ulcers and esophagitis. Digestive processes worsen, food digestion slows down, and overall metabolism decreases. When, due to the influence of a pathogenic factor, the acidity in the gastric cavity decreases, the products begin to rot and are absorbed by microorganisms. All this further reduces the pH level and provokes more complications.

Diagnosis of hypochilia

To determine the disease, special tests are required:

General blood and urine tests; Blood chemistry; Determination of gastric and pancreatic functions; FEGDS; Coprogram; Ultrasound of the abdominal organs. After receiving the results of the general analysis, the doctor decides on the need for additional examinations of the gastrointestinal tract.