How to properly pronounce the word 'achlorhydria'?
achlorhydria
noun
How to pronounce achlorhydria?
The word achlorhydria sounds like a-chlor-hy-dri-a
/,eɪkloʊr'haɪdriə/
What is the definition of achlorhydria?
nounan abnormal deficiency or absence of free hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice; often associated with severe anemias and cancer of the stomach
What is the definition of achlorhydria?
- Achlorhydria is a medical condition characterized by the absence or reduced production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
What are the symptoms of achlorhydria?
- Common symptoms of achlorhydria include indigestion, abdominal bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, and nutrient deficiencies.
What causes achlorhydria?
- Achlorhydria can be caused by various factors, such as autoimmune conditions, genetic disorders, certain medications, chronic gastritis, or surgical removal of the stomach.
How is achlorhydria diagnosed?
- Achlorhydria can be diagnosed through various methods, including blood tests to measure gastrin levels, imaging tests to evaluate the stomach, and the Heidelberg pH test to measure stomach acid levels.
Is achlorhydria a serious condition?
- Achlorhydria can lead to complications if left untreated. These can include malabsorption of nutrients, increased risk of infections, and increased risk of certain gastrointestinal disorders.
Can achlorhydria be treated?
- Treatment for achlorhydria aims to manage the underlying cause and improve symptoms. This may involve taking acid-suppressing medications, dietary changes, and supplementation with specific nutrients.
Is achlorhydria common?
- Achlorhydria is relatively rare, but its prevalence increases with age. It is more common in people with certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders or chronic gastritis.
Are there any complications associated with achlorhydria?
- Yes, if left untreated, achlorhydria can lead to complications such as malnutrition, iron deficiency anemia, osteoporosis, and bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
Can achlorhydria be prevented?
- In some cases, achlorhydria may not be preventable, especially if it is caused by autoimmune conditions or genetic factors. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding certain medications that can affect stomach acid production, and treating underlying gastrointestinal conditions promptly may help prevent achlorhydria.
Is achlorhydria reversible?
- The reversibility of achlorhydria depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, treating the underlying cause can restore normal stomach acid production. However, in certain cases, such as surgical removal of the stomach, achlorhydria may be permanent.
