STUDIES ON GASTRIC SECRETION

Abstract

In the voluminous literature on gastric function one traces the gradual destruction of the hope that gastric analysis can give exact diagnostic information. The literature reveals, instead, the enormous variability of functional activity of the normal stomach. Achlorhydria has been observed frequently in persons who continue to be healthy and otherwise entirely normal. In pernicious anemia achlorhydria is not always present, as the findings of Castle (1) and his associates indicate. When so-called hyperacidity is found, it is often regarded as the cause of certain symptoms, but is as often present without symptoms. Despite the fact that we cannot ordinarily establish a definite diagnosis on the basis of gastric analysis alone, it gives supportive information of unquestioned value.