Which vagal indigestion type has Hypochloremic, hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis?

• A. Type 1
• B. Type 2
• C. Type 3
• D. Type 4

Answer: (C)

Abomasal outflow obstruction in vagal indigestion causes continued loss of hydrogen and chloride in gastric secretions that cannot leave the stomach. The kidneys respond to this volume and electrolyte loss by retaining bicarbonate, leading to a metabolic alkalosis, with low chloride (hypochloremia) and low potassium (hypokalemia). That specific acid–base and electrolyte pattern is the classic clue for outflow obstruction among vagal indigestion types. In this classification, the third type is the one tied to this hypochloremic, hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, so it is the best answer. The other forms tend to present with different motility problems and do not show this characteristic electrolyte disturbance.