Gastrointestinal Tract Dictionary

achalasia: 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.

autoimmune disease: A disease in which the immune system wages an attack on itself. Can be heredity or triggered by environmental causes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.