What does achlorhydria mean?

Listen to pronunciation. (ay-klor-HY-dree-uh) A lack of hydrochloric acid in the digestive juices in the stomach.

What causes achlorhydria?

What is achlorhydria? Achlorhydria occurs when there’s an absence of hydrochloric (HCl) acids in the stomach. It’s a more severe form of a hypochlorhydria, a deficiency of stomach acids. Both conditions can impair the digestive process and lead to damage of the gastrointestinal system.

What is the treatment of achlorhydria?

Antimicrobial agents, including metronidazole, amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium, ciprofloxacin, and rifaximin, can be used to treat bacterial overgrowth. Achlorhydria resulting from long-term proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) use may be treated by dose reduction or withdrawal of the PPI.

What causes Hypochloridia?

These deficiencies may be caused by inadequate dietary intake or by nutrient loss from stress, smoking, or alcohol consumption. Medications. Taking antacids or medications prescribed to treat ulcers and acid reflux, such as PPIs, for a long period of time may also lead to hypochlorhydria.

How do you treat hypochlorhydria?

Treatment of Hypochlorhydria

1. Hydrochloric acid supplements and enzymes. Your doctor may prescribe supplements such as betaine hydrochloride to restore the pH of your stomach.
2. Changes in diet. Your doctor may recommend that you eat easy-to-digest food that is rich in fiber and nutrients.
3. Changes in medication.

How common is hypochlorhydria?

It’s estimated that 22 percent of the US population suffers from low stomach acid, also known as hypochlorhydria. More surprising is the fact that low stomach acid causes more digestive problems than too much stomach acid, especially in adults, according to research.

What happens achlorhydria?

Achlorhydria is a condition in which the stomach does not produce hydrochloric acid, one of the components of gastric acid. Hydrochloric acid plays an integral role in the digestion of food and protects the body from pathogens ingested with food or water.

How is achlorhydria diagnosed?

A complete profile of gastric acid secretion is best obtained during a 24-hour gastric pH study. Achlorhydria may also be documented by measurements of extremely low serum levels of pepsinogen A (PgA) (< 17 mcg/L). High serum gastrin levels (>500-1000 pg/mL) may support a diagnosis of achlorhydria.

What is Hyperacidity?

The stomach secretes Hydrochloric Acid, a digestive juice that breaks down food particles into their smallest form to aid digestion. When there is an excessive amount of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, the condition is known as Hyperacidity.

What should I eat if I have Hypochlorhydria?

Fermented vegetables — such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickles — can naturally improve your stomach acid levels. Fermented vegetables and foods have probiotic effects that can improve digestion, fight harmful bacteria and reduce inflammation from low stomach acid.

What should I eat if I have hypochlorhydria?

How do you test for Hypochlorhydria?

To diagnose hypochlorhydria, a doctor will typically take a person’s medical history and perform a physical exam. They can also test the acidity of the stomach with a small capsule that contains a transmitter. The person swallows the capsule, and the transmitter reports the amount of acid in the gastrointestinal tract.