Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) or a complete lack of stomach acid (achlorhydria) can result from various conditions or treatments and can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms and increased risk of stomach cancer. Stomach acid is important for digestion and preventing bacterial growth. It is important to see a doctor if experiencing symptoms.
Low stomach acid produces a condition known as hypochlorhydria, while achlorhydria is a complete lack of stomach acid. It is often a secondary symptom of another condition, but can also result from antacid use, radiation therapy targeted to the stomach, or complications of gastric bypass surgery. The risks of this condition are unknown, but it can lead to an increased risk of stomach cancer.
Stomach acid is a very important part of the digestive system. It maintains a low pH in the stomach, which triggers the release of the enzyme pepsin to break down dietary protein. Additionally, stomach acid helps prevent the growth of bacteria that cannot survive in a highly acidic environment.
A person suffering from low stomach acid may experience various gastrointestinal symptoms, many similar to those of acid reflux disease. These symptoms include pain or difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, nausea, heartburn, and excessive salivation. The condition can also contribute to abnormal bacterial growth in the gastrointestinal tract, causing symptoms such as diarrhea and malabsorption of nutrients and vitamins. The risk of some bacterial infections is increased, including Vibrio vulnificus, a close relative of cholera that is often found in shellfish.
Some of the diseases that can cause low stomach acid are autoimmune diseases in which the cells responsible for producing stomach acid are targeted; VIPoma, a tumor of the pancreas that secretes vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP); stomach cancer; pernicious anemia; Helicobacter pylori infection; and rare diseases including congenital mucolipidosis. If any of the symptoms occur, it’s important to visit a doctor as soon as possible, whether or not you know that any of the risk factors apply to you. Gastrointestinal symptoms are not only annoying, they can also be extremely dangerous. Low stomach acid is just one of many conditions that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, and often it’s just a symptom itself of something more serious.
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