Achlorhydria occurs when there is an absence of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach. This is a more serious form of hypochlorhydria, a deficiency of stomach acids. Both conditions can impair the digestive process and lead to damage to the gastrointestinal system. Without stomach acid, your body won't break down protein properly. You will also be more susceptible to gastrointestinal infections. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essayHCl acids break down our foods and activate digestive enzymes that dissolve proteins and other nutrients. It also helps kill bacteria, viruses and parasites in the stomach, protecting you from infections and diseases. If left untreated, achlorhydria and hypochlorhydria can have life-threatening consequences. Symptoms of Achlorhydria Achlorhydria can increase the risk of developing iron deficiency anemia. Without stomach acids, the body will have difficulty absorbing iron. Other vitamins and minerals such as calcium, folic acid, vitamin C and vitamin D also depend on an adequate amount of stomach acid for absorption in the digestive tract. When achlorhydria is diagnosed, doctors often look for anemia. Other symptoms of achlorhydria may include: abdominal bloating indigestion nausea acid reflux digestive problems diarrhea weak, brittle nails hair loss undigested food in the stool Without an adequate amount of stomach acid, Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth may occur. Complications from achlorhydria can also lead to malabsorption, a condition that prevents your small intestine from absorbing nutrients from food. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to a variety of problems, including neurological problems such as: weakness in the arms and legs tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes memory loss changes in vision hallucinations Causes and risk factors for Achlorhydria Achlorhydria can occur in men and women of all races and ages. However, this condition occurs more commonly in the elderly community. There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of achlorhydria, including: Hypothyroidism. This condition can significantly slow down your metabolism, leading to decreased stomach acid production. Medications. Antacids are a helpful solution for heartburn and indigestion. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can improve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Both medications reduce stomach acid. Overuse or complications can prevent the body from producing stomach acids, leading to achlorhydria. Weight loss surgeries, such as the gastric bypass procedure, reduce the size of your stomach and change the way your body handles food. When the function of a significant part of the stomach is changed, stomach acid production may decrease.H. pylori. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a disease that causes peptic ulcers. If left untreated, this infection can reduce the amount of stomach acid produced. Autoimmune disorders. Some autoimmune diseases can affect stomach acid production. Diagnosing Achlorhydria In order to diagnose achlorhydria, doctors will take note of your medical history and current symptoms. They can.