Medical Glossary

Barrett’s Esophagus

A condition in which the lower portion of the esophagus changes to abnormal/pre-cancerous cells that resemble normal cells found in the stomach. A small number of people with this condition become predisposed to a potentially dangerous type of cancer known as Esophageal Adenocarcinoma. Barrett’s Esophagus is a result of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). According to the FDA, about 700,000 adults in the U.S suffer from Barrett’s Esophagus.

Crohn’s Disease

A chronic disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Although it can involve any area of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract it most commonly affects the small intestine and/or colon. Symptoms include diarrhea, cramps, abdominal pain, fever and at times, rectal bleeding and weight loss.

Chronic Disease

An illness that occurs at frequent intervals over a long period of time

Colon

The large intestine

Esophagitis

An inflammation, infection, or irritation of the lining of the esophagus, which is the tube connecting the throat to the stomach. If left untreated, this condition can become uncomfortable, particularly while swallowing. Common causes of Esophagitis include bacteria, viruses, GERD and vomiting.

Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

Cancer of the Esophagus. Esophageal Adenocarcinoma arises from Barrett’s Esophagus, a complication of longstanding GERD.

Esophageal Stricture

A narrowing or obstruction of the esophagus

Esophageal Varices

Enlarged veins resulting from liver dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis (scarring of the liver). In cirrhosis, scar tissue blocks normal circulation of blood through the liver leading to back up and increased pressure within the portal vein. When the portal vein is blocked, blood may back up into other vessels as well, mainly those in the stomach and esophagus. Bleeding from varices in the upper stomach or esophagus is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical care.

GERD(Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

Gastroesophageal reflux describes a backflow of acid from the stomach into the swallowing tube or esophagus. This acid can irritate and sometimes damage the delicate lining on the inside of the esophagus. The usual symptom is heartburn, an uncomfortable burning sensation behind the breastbone, most commonly occurring after a meal. In some individuals this reflux is frequent or severe enough to cause more significant problems, including Esophagitis which can lead to pre-malignant conditions such as Barrett’s Esophagus.

Ileocolitis

A common form of Crohn’s disease that affects the lower portion of the small intestine and the first portion of the colon called the ileum.

Inflammation

A response to tissue injury that causes redness, swelling, and pain

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is the general name for diseases that cause inflammation of the intestines, such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders, affecting about 20 percent of the Western population. IBS is characterized by chronic abdominal pain, bloating and altered bowel function such as diarrhea and constipation, or an alternating pattern between the two. However, the symptoms do not necessarily relate to inflammation, intestinal bleeding or lead to cancer.

Polyp

An abnormal growth of cells or tissue found anywhere in the body. Polyps can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and should be examined by a physician immediately.

Small Intestine

The part of the gastrointestinal tract that connects the stomach to the large intestine and absorbs nutrients

Stricture

Closure or obstruction of the intestine

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layers of the lining of the large intestine

Upper (Traditional) Endoscopy

The process in which a thin, lighted, flexible tube with a camera at its tip looks inside of the esophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine. Usually performed as an outpatient procedure, upper endoscopy sometimes must be performed in the hospital or emergency room to both identify and treat upper digestive system bleeding.