Achlorhydria or achilia of the stomach - a disease in which there is an abnormal activity of the organ and inadequate production of enzymes (hydrochloric acid and pepsin). As the disease develops, the activity of the entire gastrointestinal tract suffers. Achlorhydria develops most often in older people. So, people over 80 suffer from the disease in 7 out of 10 cases. People from 50 to 60 years old - in 2 out of 10 cases. Less commonly, nevertheless, achilia of the stomach occurs at a young age.
What is achlorhydria
Achlorhydria is a disease that belongs to the category of gastroenterological diseases, in which hydrochloric acid is either absent in the stomach or its concentration is too low. At the initial stage, the disease is almost asymptomatic. For this reason, often the diagnosis is carried out too late and the disease is detected at a time when complications develop.
Achlorhydria occurs in both women and men. But in most cases it develops at a more mature age - after 50 years. The peak incidence rate occurs in people 70 years and older.
But achlorhydria usually does not appear unexpectedly, it develops against the background of other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or due to the vital activity of dangerous microorganisms - Helicobacter pylori.
If therapy is started before the onset of the first symptoms of the disease, the prognosis for the patient will be favorable. In the later stages, achlorhydria is practically incurable, in addition, it can cause serious complications up to cancers.
Diagnosis of the disease can be laboratory and instrumental methods of research. The basis of treatment is symptomatic therapy, carried out individually.
Achlorhydria is divided into the following types:
- Histamine-resistant - does not respond to stimulation by neurohumoral regulation when it is normal. The acidity of the stomach is reduced.
- Functional - when it stops the production of histamine and due to this the work of the stomach is disrupted. Gastric acidity is normal or elevated.
- Organic - stomach cells are affected. Gastric juice is not produced.
- Idiopathic - secretory cells are absent due to a congenital anomaly.
The functions of hydrochloric acid in the stomach
Gastric juice is necessary for every person for the normal operation of the digestive tract. What is the function of hydrochloric acid in the stomach?
- Creates an acidic environment. This is important for activating the enzymes that are secreted in the stomach.
- It creates the conditions for the denaturation of protein molecules and contributes to the beginning of their cleavage.
- Destroys bacteria.
- It performs an evacuation function, opening the pyloric sphincter and closing it.
- It affects the secretion of enzymes by glandular cells of the epithelium of the stomach.
Why acidity is disturbed
Acidity may be impaired due to a malfunction of an organ. This can occur with the following diseases:
- gastritis in the acute or chronic stage;
- the presence in the body of helicobacteria;
- gastric and duodenal ulcer;
- the presence of a hernia in the esophagus;
- reflux esophagitis;
- liver disease
- intoxication or allergic reactions;
- hormonal disruptions;
- Cancers in the stomach or pancreas.
Only the main causes of achlorhydria are listed here.
Provocative factors
Hypersecretion of the stomach develops against the background of provoking factors:
- Errors in diet, such as eating on the go, quickly chewing food, overeating.
- Reception of some junk food: fast food, fried and greasy dishes, smoked meats, spices, spicy seasonings added to dishes. Patients with high acidity should not abuse citrus, sour fruits and berries.
- Reception of alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee and cocoa, smoking.
- Stressful situations and heredity.
- Autoimmune diseases such as diabetes.
- Harmful working conditions or low living standards.
- Long-term use of certain medications: antidepressants, choleretic drugs, stimulants, etc.
Usually, information about the symptoms, causes of the disease, as well as methods of treatment can be given by specialists from the center of gastroenterology or a therapist in a district clinic.
Symptoms of Achilles stomach
Achlorhydria is a disease that is difficult to recognize in the initial stages. Symptoms initially practically do not appear. But if the condition provoked gastritis, then the signs of the disease will become noticeable much earlier.
The main symptoms of the absence of hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice are dyspeptic disorders. They appear as follows:
- diarrhea;
- nausea and heartburn;
- heaviness in the stomach and a feeling of oversaturation even after small doses of food;
- sour belching;
- lack of appetite;
- flatulence;
- abdominal pain;
- vomiting
The patient usually does not want to eat protein food, but there is a craving for acidic drinks and dishes. Vomiting occurs due to disruption of the stomach. Due to a deficiency of acid in it and impaired motor function, the secretion of the pancreas increases. As a result, food that has not yet been digested soon enters the intestine, in which putrefactive processes develop. The intestinal mucosa becomes inflamed and diarrhea develops. In liquid feces, undigested pieces of food are present.
Diagnostics
The presence of symptoms of increased acidity cannot indicate the presence of achlorhydria. Diagnosis requires additional diagnosis.
- FGDS - this study involves swallowing a probe at the end of which a camera is attached. In this case, on the screen of the monitor it will be possible to consider pathological lesions in the stomach.
- Determination of acidity level - this examination is carried out simultaneously with the previous one.
- Helicobacter detection test - it can be determined during FGDS, by donating blood or using a breath test.
Which doctor to contact
If a person feels unpleasant symptoms associated with digestion, you should visit a gastroenterologist. He can go additionally to other narrow specialists, such as a physiotherapist and a nutritionist. To identify the cause of the disease, you will need the help of an immunologist, endocrinologist, nephrologist (if renal failure is present). Everything will depend on the presence of various symptoms.
Gastroenterology centers are involved in the therapy. For example, in St. Petersburg:
- Medem is a diversified network of clinics. St. Marat, d.6.
- Gastroenterological center "Expert". st. Pionerskaya, d.16.
- Medical center "YES!". Middle Avenue V.O., d. 17.
- "Jerusalem". IN. 4th Line, d. 41A.
In Moscow:
- Science Center (TsNIIG) (highway Enthusiasts, 86).
- Medical Center in Maryino, ul. Lublin, 104.
Pathology treatment
Achlorhydria is a disease that requires an integrated approach to treatment. In addition, it is very individual. Usually, the pathology of the stomach acts only as a symptom of the underlying disease. Most often, the basis of any therapy in the absence of hydrochloric acid in the stomach is a special diet and certain nutrition rules:
- You must eat up to 6 times a day. In this case, the portions should be small.
- There should be a balance in nutrients in food.
- Cooking is necessary without adding oil.
- Food should be chewed well or pre-cooked cereals and liquid dishes.
- It is worth giving up smoking and alcohol.
The gastroenterologist is involved in therapeutic measures together with other specialists, mainly with an endoscopist and therapist.
After diagnosing the disease, medical procedures are carried out individually, but according to the general scheme:
- a special diet is prescribed;
- physiotherapy procedures are carried out;
- necessary medications are prescribed;
- after exiting the acute phase, spa treatment is indicated.
The gastroenterologist of St. Petersburg or in any other city will prescribe primarily drug therapy and diet.
Drug treatment
Drug therapy mainly consists of the following steps:
- The appointment of enzyme preparations for the proper functioning of the stomach and pancreas. Among them are "Creon", "Panzinorm" or hydrochloric acid solutions.
- The course of vitamins.
- If bacteria are present, then antibiotics are prescribed.
- If achilia has developed against a background of an ulcer, then such medicines as Famotidine, Ranitidine, Rabeprazole, which are proton pump inhibitors, are indicated.
- Gastric juice secretion stimulants — Pentagastrin, Lipamide, Etimizol and calcium preparations — are also needed.
- Means for the restoration of damaged mucosa - "Carnitine", "Retabolil", sea buckthorn oil.
- Corticosteroids - "Cortineff", "Decadron."
Diet
In the diet you need to include products that contribute to the production of hydrochloric acid:
- juices from tomatoes, lemon and cabbage;
- soups based on various vegetables;
- greens and vegetables;
- rosehip broth.
Usually, with this disease, a diet is prescribed, table 1a.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy serves as an addition to the main treatment for achlorhydria - these are, first of all, the following procedures:
- electrophoresis using calcium chloride;
- hyperbaric oxygenation;
- healing applications with special mud.
Medicinal plants
Some herbs can stimulate the secretion of hydrochloric acid. Calendula is especially good at this role.
If the secretory function of the stomach is impaired, the doctor may recommend drinking decoctions based on the following medicinal plants:
- plantain;
- parsley;
- sagebrush;
- fennel;
- centaury;
- horseradish root;
- hop;
- plantain;
- caraway;
- thyme;
- tansy, etc.
But it is worth remembering that herbs alone will not help in healing. They need to be combined correctly with other methods of therapy.
Prevention and prognosis
If the nature of the violation is functional, then the prognosis will be favorable. If there is an organic disturbance, then it all depends on how severe the root cause of the condition is.
The consequences of achlorhydria include the following violations:
- achilia;
- gastric cancer;
- oncology in other parts of the digestive tract;
- the transition of the disease into chronic atrophic gastritis;
- the development of anemia;
- in the presence of helicobacteria, inflammation can lead to intestinal atrophy, a condition called hypochlorhydria.
To prevent the development of the disease, you need to monitor your diet. If diseases develop, especially the intestinal plan, you need to eliminate them in time. An important role is played by compliance with hygiene rules, as well as frequent meals. Since stressful situations can undermine the immune system, it is necessary to avoid experiences and other negative factors.