Warning Signs Of Achlorhydria

Anemia

The lack of stomach acids impairs the body's ability to absorb iron. Consequently, a patient with achlorhydria will be susceptible to iron-deficiency anemia. A lack of iron impairs the body's ability to produce the hemoglobin in red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the substance that enables red blood cells to carry oxygen to different parts of the body. Fatigue and shortness of breath are thus common symptoms of this condition. Other symptoms include pale skin, cold hands and feet, brittle nails, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, headache, lightheadedness, and inflamed or sore tongue. Severe or untreated iron-deficiency anemia, even when it's not the result of achlorhydria, can eventually cause heart problems like an enlarged heart or heart failure.

Indigestion And Bloating

Indigestion and bloating are both symptoms of achlorhydria. The total lack of stomach acids impairs the digestive tract's ability to absorb food properly, and the doctor may find undigested food in the patient's stools. If the doctor finds such symptoms as iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, weight loss, frequent bowel movements along with indigestion and bloating, they may order a test of the stomach's pH.

There are several ways to test the pH of stomach acid. One method involves collecting a sample of stomach acid by sending a tube down the patient's esophagus. The patient should fast at least four to six hours ahead of time to ensure there are only fluids in their stomach. They should also avoid taking antacids or similar medications. The stomach acids of a healthy individual should have a pH of between 1.5 and 3.5. The doctor will diagnose achlorhydria if a woman has a pH above 6.81 or if a man has a pH above 5.09. The lower the pH, the more acidic the stomach's contents are. Thus, a high pH indicates a lack of stomach acid.