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Achalasia -
A combined defect of absent peristalsis and abnormal LES function (contractions of the GI tract that aid in moving food into the stomach)
Achlorhydria -
Absence of free hydrochloric acid in the stomach
Ascites -
The effusion and accumulation of serous fluid in the abdominal cavity
Barretts esophagus -
Replacement of the normal squamous epithelium of the esophagus by columnar epithelium as a result of reflux. This can be associated with increased risk of cancer.
Biopsy -
The removal of tissue during procedure for microscopic examination
Celiac sprue -
A malabsorption syndrome affecting both children and adults, precipitated by intolerance of gluten-containing foods
Colitis -
Inflammation of the colon
Constipation -
Infrequent or difficult evacuation of feces
Crohn's Disease -
A chronic inflammatory disease involving any part of the GI tract, with scarring and thickening of the bowel wall
Diverticulitis -
Inflammation of a diverticulum
Diverticulosis -
The presence of diverticula, small pockets on the wall of the colon, in the absence of inflammation.
Diverticulum -
An outpouching of one or more layers of the wall of the colon
Dyspepsia -
(Indigestion) Impairment of the function of digestion, usually applied to epigastric discomfort following meals but can vary in interpretation
Dysphagia -
A sensation of difficulty in swallowing
Esophageal reflux -
Reflux of the gastric or duodenal contents back into the esophagus
Esophagitis -
An inflammation of the esophageal lining
Gastritis -
Inflammation of the stomach lining
Hiatus hernia -
Occurs when a portion of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragmatic hiatus into the thoracic cavity
Lower esophageal sphincter -
Circular muscles at the distal end of the esophagus, which regulate the entry of food into the stomach
Malabsorption -
Impaired intestinal absorption of nutrients
Pancreatitis -
Acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas
Peptic ulcer -
An ulceration of the mucosa membrane of the esophagus, stomach or duodenum, may be caused by the action of the acid gastric juice or certain bacteria
Polyp -
A protruding growth from any mucous membrane (colonic or gastric)
Stricture -
A narrowing of a canal, duct or other passage as a result of scarring or deposition of abnormal tissue
Ulcerative colitis -
Chronic, recurrent ulceration in the colon of unknown cause. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and loose discharges of blood, pus and mucus with scanty fecal particles
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome -
A disorder that includes atypical peptic ulcers, extreme gastric hyperacidity and gastrin-secreting, non beta islet cell tumors of the pancreas
American Porphyria Foundation
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, Inc
American College of Gastroenterology
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