We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Hypochlorhydria?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,472
Share

Hypochlorhydria is an abnormally low level of stomach acid, associated with aging, as well as a number of medical issues. Stomach acid is a critical component of the digestive juices in the stomach, and a deficiency can cause health problems. Treatment involves finding out why a patient is experiencing hypochlorhydria and providing treatment for that condition. This should allow acid levels to rise back to normal, resolving the symptoms and making the patient feel more comfortable.

People with low stomach acid are more prone to infection and can develop diarrhea, weight loss, stomach pain, and signs of nutritional deficiencies like weakness and mood changes. Patients may experience symptoms similar to those seen in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), like trouble swallowing, decreased appetite, and discomfort, along the length of the throat. These conditions may onset gradually over time, sometimes making it hard to determine when they started.

One common cause of hypochlorhydria is medications with a suppressive effect on stomach acid production. These drugs can cause acid levels to drop below normal, and withdrawing the medications or modifying the dosage should resolve the problem and allow the stomach acid level to climb to a more reasonable level. Medications designed for people with high stomach acid should be used with care to avoid causing hypochlorhydria in the process of treating conditions associated with excessive acid production.

Another potential cause can be chronic infection or inflammation in the stomach. Cells involved in generating stomach acid may not be as productive as a result of scarring and tissue damage, causing acid levels to fall. Cancers of the stomach can also sometimes be culprits. Medical evaluations for hypochlorhydria can include imaging of the stomach, using both external and internal imaging studies, along with bloodwork to check for deficiencies and evaluation for underlying disease processes that might be causing the stomach problems.

People with a history of hypochlorhydria may want to make sure it is noted in their charts so it can be considered as a factor if they develop gastrointestinal problems in the future. Sometimes, the condition can recur as a result of a flareup of infection or inflammation, and being aware of the past history can help a doctor identify the problem more quickly and provide prompt, appropriate treatment. When a doctor suggests a patient may have low stomach acid, patients shouldn't jump to conclusions about the causes, as there can be many reasons. Having hypochlorhydria does not, for example, mean that someone has stomach cancer.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-hypochlorhydria.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.