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GI Tract DictionaryA-E | F-J | K-O | P-S | T-Zachalasia: A rare abnormality of the esophagus that can be caused by a number of factors and that involves the inability of the lower sphincter to relax and push food through to the stomach. acid reflux: Popularly called GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). Involves the regurgitation of acid from the stomach, which irritates the lining of the esophagus. amyloidosis: A stiffening of various organs, including the intestines, due to an abnormality in antibody production that causes protein invasion. anorectal: Any reference to the area that includes the anal canal and the rectum. antacid: A neutralizing agent that balances or reduces stomach acid. anti-inflammatory: Any agent that reduces inflammation, including steroids, non-steroidal drugs, some foods and even ice packs.
antiseptic: Any number of antimicrobial substances that are applied to living tissue or skin to reduce the possibility of infection or putrefaction. It is a valuable ingredient in mouthwash.
autoimmune disease: A disease in which the immune system wages an attack on itself. Can be heredity or triggered by environmental causes.
BANA test: A test directed to find the salivary levels of an enzyme indicating the presence of certain halitosis-related bacteria.
barium: A metal that when used as a barium sulfate can be ingested and used to aid in X-ray screening of the digestive tract.
biofilm: A complex aggregation of microorganisms marked by the excretion of a protective and adhesive matrix. For example, the dental plaque that can cause tooth decay and possibly halitosis.
biopsy: A core sampling, either of fluid or tissue, that is removed and then studied under a microscope to determine if disease is present. Botox ®: A brand name drug that can be injected in small increments to improve facial appearance by paralyzing muscles and nerves. candidiasis: An explosion of already-present yeast in any part of the body due to drug use or illness. canker sores: An ulcer located anywhere inside the mouth that is not cancerous.
cavities: The result of an infectious disease that can damage the structures of the teeth.
Celiac Disease: An inherited immune system response to the consumption of gluten that disrupts activity in the small intestine. chemotherapy: Using medicine to kill cancer cells, not just in the localized area but throughout the body. colectomy: The surgical procedure to remove a portion of or all of the colon. colon: The large intestine, consisting of ascending, descending, sigmoid and transverse sections. Crohn's Disease: Categorized as inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn's Disease can affect any area along the digestive tract, from mouth to the large intestine to the anus. Includes a host of symptoms, such as bleeding, joint pain and cramping.
dental caries: An infectious disease that damages the structures of the teeth, which leads to tooth decay or cavities. This can be a cause of halitosis. dental plaque: A biofilm that can build up on the teeth that can cause dental caries or periodontal problems. diarrhea: Watery or loose stool that can lead quickly to dehydration, especially in children. Usually caused by viral illness, contaminated food or parasites. Can also be an indicator of a chronic disorder, such as Crohn's Disease or irritable bowel syndrome. duodenum: A section of the small intestines that starts at the stomach junction and ends with the second segment, or jejunum.
dry mouth: A term describing the lack of saliva in the mouth that can contribute to halitosis. dyspepsia: A fleeting or recurring pain in the stomach that may be a sign of acid reflux or ulcer. dysphagia: A difficulty in swallowing that is generally not accompanied by pain and that lacks the sensation of having a lump in the throat. endoscope: Rigid or flexible, this medical tube is lighted for optical study inside various parts of the body, including the esophagus. enzyme: A molecule that causes chemical reactions when combined with other agents and produced in the body for metabolization. epiglottis: A flap that interchangeably covers the trachea and esophagus.
esophageal: Related to the esophagus.
esophagus: The muscle-filled tube that begins at the mouth and attaches to the stomach, contracting and relaxing as needed to allow the passage of food.
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