What is Hypochlorhydria?

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.