Hydrochloric acid (HCl), contained in gastric juice, can have a different concentration. In a healthy person without any diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, this indicator is within normal limits. Most of the acid becomes more or less with gastritis (inflammation of the mucosa), and then there is increased or decreased acidity of the stomach - the symptoms of the latter and consider below.
How does the stomach work?
In the stomach there is a zone for the production of hydrochloric acid and its neutralization zone. Acid-forming processes occur in the cardiac and anatomical body of the stomach, and the production of HCl is carried out by the so-called. parietal cells.
Neutralization of the acid occurs in the other part of the stomach - antral. In general, the role of HCl is to fight against microbes and parasites that come with food.
Causes of decreased gastric acidity
In a healthy organism, parietal cells synthesize an acid with the same intensity. In patients with newly developed gastritis, cells produce excessive amounts of HCl, but over time, due to the fact that the gastric mucosa is constantly inflamed, many cells die, and then they speak of reduced acidity. This option is typical for the elderly, long suffering from gastritis.
To atrophy of acid-producing cells can lead in addition to gastritis:
- gastroduodenitis (inflammation of the stomach and duodenum);
- stomach cancer.
It is worth noting that contrary to the widespread misconception, with reduced acidity, there is also a stomach ulcer, the underlying cause of which is not related to the level of secretion.
Measurement of acidity
PH is used to measure the acidity. The maximum level of HCl is 0.86 pH, and the minimum level is 8.3 pH. In a healthy person with normal secretion, this index ranges from 1.5 to 2.0 pH. Recall that a neutral environment is 7 pH. Values below 7 indicate an acidic environment, and above 7 - about alkaline.
To study gastric juice doctors use several methods:
- "Acidotest", "Gastrotest" and the like - pills, which are taken after the morning emptying of the bladder; the next two portions of urine are considered control - by their color the level of acidity is determined. The method is not very accurate and is rarely used.
- Fractional sounding - with the help of a tube, the contents of the stomach are extracted and examined in the laboratory. Due to the fact that mixed juice from all departments is taken for analysis, the result is blurred.
- Gastroscopy with staining the stomach wall through the endoscope with a special dye - gives very approximate results.
- Intragastric pH-metry is the most accurate method of investigation, in which special probes with sensors are used.
Signs of reduced gastric acidity
Many people avoid examining the gastroenterologist because of fear of swallowing the probe. Determine the level of acidity can be independently, relying on their feelings. The results, of course, will not be accurate,
So, the reduced acidity of the stomach is characterized by such symptoms as:
- eructation with the smell of a foul-smelling egg;
- specific putrefactive odor from the mouth;
- constipation or diarrhea due to motor impairment;
- metallic taste in the mouth;
- dull pain in the epigastric region after a meal;
- bloating, flatulence.
Disturbs with a decreased acidity of the stomach and heartburn, although it is traditionally considered a sign of increased secretion. Because of the broken work of the stomach, the body poorly breaks down proteins, does not absorb vitamins, minerals, which leads to anemia (low hemoglobin), acne, brittle nails, dry hair and skin.