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NexiumResearch DefinitionsGlossarySome words have many meanings. A term will refer the reader to another definition only when the second definition gives additional information about a topic that is directly related to the first term. All Definitions I - P All Definitions Q - Z All Definitions A - H A B C D E F G H A Abdomen Pronounced - AB-doh-men The area between the chest and the hips. Contains the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen. Accessory Digestive Organs Pronounced - ak-SES-uh-ree dy-JES-tiv or-gunz Organs that help with digestion but are not part of the digestive tract. These organs are the tongue, glands in the mouth that make saliva, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. Achalasia Pronounced - AK-uh-LAYZ-ya A rare disorder of the esophagus. The muscle at the end of the esophagus does not relax enough for the passage to open properly. Esophagus (Pronounced - eh-SAW-fuh-gus), also spelled oesophagus, is the organ that connects the mouth to the stomach. Also called gullet. Achlorhydria Pronounced - AY-klor-HY-dree-uh A lack of hydrochloric acid in stomach juice. Activated Charcoal Pronounced - AK-tuh-vay-ted CHAR-kohl An over-the-counter product that may help relieve intestinal gas. Acute Pronounced - uh-KYOOT Symptoms or signs that begin and worsen quickly; abrupt, sharp and brief. Adenocarcinoma Pronounced - AD-in-o-kar-sin-O-ma Cancer that begins in cells that line certain internal organs and that have glandular (secretory) properties. Aerophagia Pronounced - AIR-oh-FAY-jee-uh A condition that occurs when a person swallows too much air. Causes gas and frequent belching. Aetiological Causing or contributing to the cause of a disease or condition. Alactasia Pronounced - ay-lak-TAYZ-ya An inherited condition causing the lack of the enzyme needed to digest milk sugar. Alagille Syndrome Pronounced - al-uh-GEEL sin-drohm A condition of babies in their first year. The bile ducts in the liver disappear, and the bile ducts outside the liver get very narrow. May lead to a buildup of bile in the liver and damage to liver cells and other organs. Ameliorate To make something better or become better, improve. Amino Acid Any of a class of 20 molecules that are combined to form proteins in living things. The sequence of amino acids in a protein and hence protein function are determined by the genetic code. Amyloidosis Proteins are important building blocks for all body parts, including muscles, bones, hair, and nails. Proteins circulate throughout the body in the blood and are normally harmless. Occasionally, cells produce abnormal proteins that can settle in body tissue, forming deposits and causing disease. When these deposits of abnormal proteins were first discovered, they were called amyloid, and the disease process amyloidosis. In recent years, researchers have discovered that different kinds of proteins can form amyloid deposits and have identified several types of amyloidosis. Two of these types are closely related to kidney disease. In primary amyloidosis, abnormal protein production occurs as a first step and can lead to kidney disease. Dialysis related amyloidosis (DRA), on the other hand, is a result of kidney disease. More about Amyloidosis Anemia Pronounced - uh-NEE-mee-uh Not enough red blood, red blood cells, or hemoglobin (Pronounced - HEE-muh-gloh-bin) in the body. Hemoglobin is a protein in the blood that contains iron. Anti-Inflammatory Pronounced - AN-tee-in-FLAM-uh-toh-ree Preventing or reducing inflammation. Antibody Proteins made by the immune system that bind to structures (antigens) they recognize as foreign to the body. Antigen A structure foreign to the body, such as a virus. The body usually responds to antigens by producing antibodies. Anus Pronounced - AY-nus The opening at the end of the digestive tract where bowel contents leave the body. Apathy A lack of emotion or interest, without feeling. Appendix Pronounced - uh-PEN-diks A 4 inch pouch attached to the first part of the large intestine (cecum). No one knows what function the appendix has, if any. Asthma A chronic (lasting for a long period of time) respiratory disease, often arising from allergies, that is characterized by sudden recurring attacks of labored breathing, chest constriction, and coughing. Asymptomatic Presenting no symptoms of disease. Ataxia A condition in which the muscles fail to function in a coordinated manner. More about Ataxia Autoimmune Disease A disease in which the body's defense system malfunctions and attacks a part of the body itself rather than foreign matter. Back To Top B Bacteria Pronounced - bak-TEER-ee-uh Bacteria is plural for bacterium. Bacteria is tiny microorganisms that reproduce by cell division and usually have a cell wall. Bacteria can be shaped like a sphere, rod, or spiral and can be found in virtually any environment and range from the harmless and beneficial bacteria to the bacteria that can casue infections and disease in animals and humans. Bacterial Bacterial is an adjective of bacterium. Bacteria is plural (consisiting of more than one) for bacterium. Bacteria is tiny microorganisms that reproduce by cell division and usually have a cell wall. Bacteria can be shaped like a sphere, rod, or spiral and can be found in virtually any environment and range from the harmless and beneficial bacteria to the bacteria that can casue infections and disease in animals and humans. Barium Pronounced - BAIR-ee-um A chalky liquid used to coat the inside of organs so that they will show up on an x-ray. Barrett's Esophagus BAH-ruts eh-SAW-fuh-gus A condition in which the cells lining the lower part of the esophagus have changed or been replaced with abnormal cells that could lead to cancer of the esophagus. The backing up of stomach contents (reflux) may irritate the esophagus and, over time, cause Barrett's esophagus. Benign Pronounced - beh-NINE Not cancerous. Benign tumors do not spread to tissues around them or to other parts of the body. Bile Pronounced - BY-ul Fluid made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile helps break down fats and gets rid of wastes in the body. Bilirubin Pronounced - BILL-ee-ROO-bin The substance formed when hemoglobin breaks down. Bilirubin gives bile its color. Bilirubin is normally passed in stool. Too much bilirubin causes jaundice. Bladder The balloon shaped organ inside the pelvis that holds urine. Blood/Brain Barrier A membrane that controls the passage of substances from the blood into the central nervous system. Biopsy Pronounced - BY-op-see The removal of cells or tissues for examination under a microscope. When only a sample of tissue is removed, the procedure is called an incisional biopsy or core biopsy. When an entire lump or suspicious area is removed, the procedure is called an excisional biopsy. When a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle, the procedure is called a needle biopsy or fine needle aspiration. Bone Marrow Pronounced - bone MAYR-oh The soft, sponge-like tissue in the center of most bones. It produces white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Bowel Pronounced - BAH-wul The long, tube-shaped organ in the abdomen that completes the process of digestion. Bowel is another word for the small intestines and the large intestines. Bronchoscope Pronounced - BRON-ko-skope A thin, lighted tube used to examine the inside of the trachea and bronchi, the air passages that lead to the lungs. Back To Top C Cancer A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. Candidiasis Pronounced - KAN-di-DY-uh-sis A mild infection caused by the Candida (Pronounced - KAN-di-duh) fungus, which lives naturally in the gastrointestinal tract. Infection occurs when a change in the body, such as surgery, causes the fungus to overgrow suddenly. Carcinoma Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover body organs. Cartilage Pronounced - KAR-tih-lij A tough, flexible tissue that lines joints and gives structure to the nose, ears, larynx, and other parts of the body. CAT (or CT) scan Computed tomography scan. A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken from different angles; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called computerized tomography and computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan. Cecum Pronounced - SEEK-um The beginning of the large intestine. The cecum is connected to the lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum. Celiac Disease Pronounced - SEL-ee-ak duh-zeez Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. People who have celiac disease cannot tolerate a protein called gluten, found in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten is found mainly in foods but may also be found in products we use every day, such as stamp and envelope adhesive, medicines, and vitamins. Cerebrospinal Fluid The colorless liquid, consisting partially of substances filtered from blood and partially by secretions released by brain cells, that circulates around and through the cavities of the brain and spinal cord. Physicians use a variety of tests - electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, capillary isotachophoresis, and radioimmunoassay - to study cerebrospinal fluid for abnormalities often associated with MS. Chemotherapy Pronounced - kee-mo-THER-a-pee Treatment with anticancer drugs. Back To Top Chronic Pronounced - KRAW-nik A term that refers to disorders that last a long time, often years; A chronic condition is one lasting 3 months or more, by the definition of the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics. Cirrhosis Pronounced - suh-ROH-sis A chronic liver condition caused by scar tissue and cell damage. Cirrhosis makes it hard for the liver to remove poisons (toxins) like alcohol and drugs from the blood. These toxins build up in the blood and may affect brain function.  Clinical Trials A type of research study that tests how well new medical treatments or other interventions work in people. Such studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. The study may be carried out in a clinic or other medical facility. Also called a clinical study. Colectomy Pronounced - koh-LEK-toh-mee An operation to remove all or part of the colon. The colon is also called the large intestine. Colitis Pronounced - koh-LY-tis Irritation of the colon. Colon Pronounced - KOH-lun The longest part of the large intestine, which is a tube like organ connected to the small intestine at one end and the anus at the other. Colonoscopy Pronounced - KOH-lon-OSS-kuh-pee A test to look into the rectum and colon (the colon is also called the large intestine. The doctor uses a long, flexible, narrow tube with a light and tiny lens on the end. This tube is called a colonoscope. Congenital A condition that is congenital is one that is present at birth. Constipation The passage of small amounts of hard, dry bowel movements, usually fewer than three times a week. Cricoid Cartilage Pronounced - kri-koid KAR-tih-lij The small thick cartilage that forms the lower and posterior parts of the laryngeal wall. The cricoid cartilage is about one inch down the neck from a persons adam's apple (thyroid cartilage). The indentation between the two is the cricothyroid membrane. Cricopharyngeal Of or relating to the cricoid cartilage and the pharynx. Crohn's Disease Pronounced - krohnz duh-zeez A chronic form of inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn's disease causes severe irritation in the gastrointestinal tract. It usually affects the lower small intestine (called the ileum) or the colon, but it can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract. Also called regional enteritis and ileitis. More about Crohn's Disease Cytokine Pronounced - SY-toh-kine A powerful chemical substance secreted by T cells. Cytokines can also be produced in the laboratory by recombinant DNA technology and given to people to affect immune responses. Cytokines are an important factor in the production of inflammation and show promise as treatments for MS. Back To Top D Dehydration Excessive loss of water from the body or from an organ or body part, as from illness or fluid deprivation, that the body needs to carry on normal functions at an optimal level. Signs include increasing thirst, dry mouth, weakness or lightheadedness (particularly if worse on standing), and a darkening of the urine or a decrease in urination. Demyelination Damage caused to myelin by recurrent attacks of inflammation. Demyelination ultimately results in nervous system scars, called plaques, which interrupt communications between the nerves and the rest of the body. Diabetes Pronounced - dye-a-BEE-teez A disease in which the body does not properly control the amount of sugar in the blood. As a result, the level of sugar in the blood is too high. This disease occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it properly. More about Diabetes Diagnosis The act or process of identifying or determining the nature and cause of a disease or injury through evaluation of patient history, examination, and review of laboratory data. Diaphragm Pronounced - DY-uh-fram The muscle wall between the chest and the abdomen. It is the major muscle that the body uses for breathing. Diarrhea Pronounced - DY-uh-REE-uh Frequent, loose, and watery bowel movements. Common causes include gastrointestinal infections, irritable bowel syndrome, medicines, and malabsorption. Digestion Pronounced - dy-JES-tchun The process the body uses to break down food into simple substances for energy, growth, and cell repair. Digestive System Pronounced - dy-JES-tuv sis-tum The organs in the body that break down and absorb food. Organs that make up the digestive system are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. Organs that help with digestion but are not part of the digestive tract are the tongue, glands in the mouth that make saliva, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. More about Digestive System 
Digestive Tract Pronounced - dy-JES-tuv trakt The large, muscular tube that extends from the mouth to the anus, where the movement of muscles and release of hormones and enzymes digest food. Also called the Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract or alimentary canal. Dilatation The process of enlargement or expansion. Diverticulosis Diverticulosis is a condition in which little sacs or out pouchings called diverticula develop in the wall of the colon. These sacs tend to appear and increase in number with age. The majority of Americans over age 60 have diverticulosis, but only a small percentage have symptoms or complications. Most people have no symptoms and learn that they have diverticula after an x-ray or intestinal examination. Less than 10 percent of people with diverticulosis ever develop complications such as infection (diverticulitis), bleeding, or perforation of the colon. More about Diverticulosis Duodenal Ulcer Pronounced - doo-AW-duh-nul UL-sur An ulcer in the lining of the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Duodenum Pronounced - doo-AW-duh-num The first part of the small intestine. Dyspepsia Pronounced - dis-PEP-see-uh Poor digestion. Symptoms include heartburn, nausea, bloating, and gas. Also called indigestion. Dysphagia Pronounced - dis-FAY-jee-uh Problems in swallowing food or liquid, usually caused by blockage or injury to the esophagus. Back To Top E 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. 
Enzyme A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body. 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. Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis (EAE) A chronic brain and spinal cord disease similar to MS which is induced by injecting myelin basic protein into laboratory animals. Back To Top F Fatigue Tiredness that may accompany activity or may persist even without exertion. Fats One of the three main classes of food and a source of energy in the body. Bile dissolves fats, and enzymes break them down. This process moves fats into cells. Fistulas Pronounced - FISS-tyoo-luhs An abnormal passage between two organs or between an organ and the outside of the body. Caused when damaged tissues come into contact with each other and join together while healing. Flatulence Pronounced - FLAT-yoo-lunss Flatulence is excessive gas accumulated in the lower digestive tract or colon. May cause bloating. Flatus Pronounced - FLAH-tus Gas passed through the rectum. Functional Disorders Pronounced - FUNK-shun-ul dis-or-durz Disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome. These conditions result from poor nerve and muscle function. Symptoms such as gas, pain, constipation, and diarrhea come back again and again, but there are no signs of disease or damage. Emotional stress can trigger symptoms. Also called motility disorders. Fungus Pronounced - FUN-gus A mold or yeast such as Candidiasis that may cause infection. Back To Top G Gadolinium A chemical compound given during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans that helps distinguish new lesions from old. Gallbladder Pronounced - GAWL-blah-dur The organ that stores the bile made in the liver. Connected to the liver by bile ducts. The gallbladder can store about 1 cup of bile. Eating signals the gallbladder to empty the bile through the bile ducts to help digest fats. Gastric Pronounced - GAH-strik Related to the stomach. Gastric Ulcer Pronounced - GAH-strik UL-sur An open sore in the lining of the stomach. Also called Stomach Ulcer. Gastrin Pronounced - GAH-strin A hormone released after eating. Gastrin causes the stomach to produce more acid. Gastroenterologist Pronounced - GAH-stroh-en-tuh-RAW-luh-jist A doctor who specializes in digestive diseases. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Pronounced - GAH-stroh-eh-SAW-fuh-JEE-ul REE-fluks duh-zeez Flow of the stomach's contents back up into the esophagus. Happens when the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter) is weak or relaxes when it shouldn't. May cause esophagitis. Also called esophageal reflux or reflux esophagitis. More about Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract Pronounced - GAH-stroh-in-TES-tuh-nul trakt The large, muscular tube that extends from the mouth to the anus, where the movement of muscles and release of hormones and enzymes digest food. Also called the alimentary canal or digestive tract. Globus Hystericus A constant feeling of a lump in the throat when there is nothing there. Usually related to stress. Sometimes simply called globus. Goiter Pronounced - GOY-ter The enlargement of the thyroid gland, which is often associated with iodine deficiency in the diet (found in iodized salt), but can also be caused by other conditions. Most goiters are not cancer. Granuloma Pronounced - gran-yoo-LOH-ma A mass of red, irritated tissue in the Gastrointestinal (GI) tract found in Crohn's Disease. Back To Top H Heartburn Pronounced - HART-burn A painful, burning feeling in the chest. Heartburn is caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. Changing the diet and other habits can help to prevent heartburn. Heartburn may be a symptom of GERD. See also Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Pronounced - HELL-uh-koh-BAK-tur py-LOH-ree A spiral shaped bacterium found in the stomach. H. pylori damages stomach and duodenal tissue, causing ulcers. Previously called Campylobacter pylori. Hemoglobin The oxygen carrying pigment and predominant protein in the red blood cells. Hemoglobin forms an unstable, reversible bond with oxygen. In its oxygenated state it is called oxyhemoglobin and is bright red. In the reduced state it is called deoxyhemoglobin and is purple blue. Hemorrhoid Pronounced - HEM-royd Swollen and inflamed blood vessels in and around the anus and lower rectum. Continual straining to have a bowel movement causes them to stretch and swell. They cause itching, pain, and sometimes bleeding. More about Constipation and Hemorrhoids 
Hepatitis Pronounced - heh-puh-TY-tis Irritation of the liver that sometimes causes permanent damage. Hepatitis may be caused by viruses or by medicines or alcohol. Hepatitis has the following forms:
Pronounced - HUR-nee-uh Hernia: The part of an internal organ that pushes through an opening in the organ's wall. Most hernias occur in the abdominal area. Hiatal Hernia (Hiatus Hernia) Pronounced - hy-AY-tul HUR-nee-uh A small opening in the diaphragm that allows the upper part of the stomach to move up into the chest. Causes heartburn from stomach acid flowing back up through the opening. 
Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Antigens, tolerated by the body, that correspond to genes that govern immune responses. Also known as major histocompatibility complex. Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) Pronounced - hy-droh-KLOR-ik ASS-id An acid made in the stomach. Hydrochloric acid works with pepsin and other enzymes to break down proteins. Hydrogen Peroxide A chemical used in bleaches, dyes, cleansers, antiseptics, and disinfectants. In a concentrated form, it is toxic and irritating to tissues. Hyperbilirubinemia Pronounced - HY-pur-bil-ee-roo-buh-NEE-mee-uh Hyperbilirubinemia is too much bilirubin in the blood. Symptoms include jaundice. This condition occurs when the liver does not work normally. Hypercalcemia Pronounced - HY-per-kal-SEE-mee-uh Abnormally high amount of calcium in the blood. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) Pronounced - HY-per-THY-ROY-dih-zum When too much thyroid hormone is made, it is called overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism. Symptoms include weight loss, chest pain, cramps, diarrhea, and nervousness. Hypopharynx The laryngeal part of the pharynx extending from the hyoid bone to the lower margin of the cricoid cartilage. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) Pronounced - HY-poh-THY-ROY-dih-zum When not enough thyroid hormone is made, it is called underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism. Symptoms include weight gain, constipation, dry skin, and sensitivity to the cold. Back To Top |
Aciphex - Rabeprazole Prevacid - Lansoprazole Prilosec - Omeprazole Prilosec OCT Protonix - Pantoprazole
Causes of GERD Diet for GERD Infant GERD Children 1 - 11 Years Old Medication for GERD Symptoms of GERD GERD Surgery GERD Treatment
Causes of Heartburn Symptoms of Heartburn Heartburn Medications Heartburn Remedy
Lump In Throat Proton Pump Inhibitors Remedies for GERD
Hair Removal HGH |
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