E

Edema
An abnormal buildup of fluid between tissue cells.

End-stage
End-stage is the complete, or almost complete phase of a terminal disease or condition.

Endoscope
Pronounced – EN-doh-skohp
A small, flexible tube with a light and a lens on the end. It is used to look into the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, colon, or rectum. It can also be used to take tissue from the body for testing or to take color photographs of the inside of the body. Colonoscopes and sigmoidoscopes are types of endoscopes.

Endoscopy
Pronounced – en-DAW-skuh-pee
Endoscopy is a procedure that uses an endoscope (a small, flexible tube with a light and a lens on the end) to diagnose or treat a condition.

Enterocolitis
Pronounced – EN-tuh-ro-ko-LY-tis
Infection of the small and large intestines.

Enzyme
A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body.

Epiglottis
Epiglottis (epiglottic) is the flap of cartilage lying behind the tongue and in front of the entrance to the larynx (voice box) that keeps food from going into the trachea (windpipe) during swallowing. It keeps food from entering the airways, so you don’t cough or choke after swallowing. When it gets infected and inflamed, it can obstruct, or close off, the windpipe. This obstruction may be fatal unless treated quickly.

Esophageal
Pronounced – eh-SOF-a-JEE-al
Having to do with the esophagus, the muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach.

Esophageal Stricture
Pronounced – eh-saw-fuh-JEE-ul STRIK-sher
A narrowing of the esophagus often caused by acid flowing back from the stomach. This condition may require surgery.

Esophagitis
Pronounced – eh-saw-fuh-JY-tis
An irritation of the esophagus, usually caused by acid that flows up from the stomach.

Esophagoscopy
Examination of the esophagus (the organ that connects the mouth to the stomach, also called gullet) using a thin, lighted instrument.

Esophagus (Also spelled oesophagus)
Pronounced – eh-SAW-fuh-gus
The organ that connects the mouth to the stomach. Also called gullet.

Etiology
The cause of a disease or the study of the causes of disease.

Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis (EAE)
A chronic (lasting a long time) brain and spinal cord disease similar to MS which is induced by injecting myelin basic protein into laboratory animals.