Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Achlorhydria natural history, complications and prognosis
Introduction
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Overview
Overview
Natural History
Natural History
Complications
Complications
- Achlorhydria may result in increased bacterial growth in the stomach and duodenum. This increases the risk of several infectious diseases such as salmonellosis, typhoid fever, shigellosis, and various parasitic infections.
- Stomach acid is important in liberating minerals from food, thereby increasing the risk that individuals with hypochlorohydria or achlorhydria will develop calcium and zinc deficiencies.
- Loss of acid production may also alter the rate or extent of drug absorption.
- Atrophic gastritis, one of the complications of achlorhydria, has been considered to be a potential precursor to gastric carcinoma.
Prognosis
Prognosis
The outcome of achlorhydria depends on:
- The underlying cause of achlorhydria: If achlorhydria results from cancer or a surgical procedure, the prognosis is more guarded.
- The complications of achlorhydria: Atrophic gastritis, one of the complications of achlorhydria, has been considered to be a potential precursor to gastric carcinoma.
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]