Definition: Achlorhydria is a condition where the level of hydrochloric acid in the gastric juices in the stomach is either decreased or absent. Hydrochloric acid is needed in the stomach to help digest food.
Achlorhydria may be associated with advanced age; other medical conditions such as infection with Helicobacter pylori, stomach cancer, pernicious anemia, or arthritis; or certain gastric surgeries such as gastric bypass surgery.
Pronunciation: AY-klor-HY-dree-uh
