GI Vocab

Achalasia

A disorder where the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to relax, leading to difficulty swallowing and esophageal dilation.

Ascites

Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, commonly due to portal hypertension or liver failure.

Asterixis

A tremor of the hand when the wrist is extended; a flapping motion, often a sign of hepatic encephalopathy.

Alcoholic Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver caused by chronic alcohol use, leading to necrosis and potential progression to cirrhosis.

Barrett’s Esophagus

A condition where chronic GERD leads to changes in the esophageal lining, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer.

Bilirubin

A yellow pigment formed from the breakdown of red blood cells, elevated in liver dysfunction leading to jaundice.

Cirrhosis

Irreversible scarring of the liver due to long-term liver damage, often from alcohol, hepatitis, or fatty liver disease.

Crohn’s Disease

A type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by patchy ('skip lesions') inflammation anywhere along the GI tract.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing, possibly due to neurological, muscular, or structural issues.

Diverticulitis

Inflammation or infection of diverticula (small bulges) in the colon, usually resulting in LLQ pain.

Esophageal Varices

Swollen veins in the esophagus caused by portal hypertension, prone to rupture and serious bleeding.

Esophagitis

Inflammation of the esophagus, often due to acid reflux or infection.

Fatty Liver (Hepatic Steatosis)

Accumulation of fat in liver cells, often due to alcohol use or metabolic syndrome.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

A chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation.

Gynecomastia

Enlargement of male breast tissue, which can occur in liver disease due to hormonal imbalances.

Hepatic Encephalopathy

A decline in brain function due to severe liver disease, often associated with elevated ammonia levels.

Hepatorenal Syndrome

Kidney failure secondary to severe liver disease, despite normal kidney structure.

Hepatopulmonary Syndrome

Shortness of breath and hypoxemia due to liver disease-related vascular changes in the lungs.

Icterus

Another term for jaundice; yellowing of the eyes and skin due to high bilirubin levels.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Chronic inflammation of the GI tract, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Jaundice

Yellow discoloration of the skin and sclera caused by increased bilirubin in the bloodstream.

Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)

A muscular ring at the junction of the esophagus and stomach; its malfunction is linked to GERD.

Melena

Black, tarry stool indicating an upper GI bleed.

Mallory-Weiss Tear

A tear in the mucous membrane at the junction of the stomach and esophagus, often due to vomiting.

Odynophagia

Painful swallowing, usually due to infection, inflammation, or ulcers.

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)

Erosion of the stomach or duodenal lining due to acid and pepsin, often caused by H. pylori or NSAIDs.

Portal Hypertension

Increased pressure in the portal venous system, typically due to liver cirrhosis.

Palmar Erythema

Redness of the palms associated with liver disease.

Rectal Bleeding

Bright red blood from the rectum, suggesting lower GI pathology like hemorrhoids or diverticulosis.

Spider Angiomas

Small, dilated blood vessels on the skin, commonly seen in chronic liver disease.

Steatorrhea

Fatty, pale, foul-smelling stools due to malabsorption.

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS)

A procedure to reduce portal hypertension by creating a channel between the portal and hepatic veins.

Ulcerative Colitis

A form of IBD causing continuous inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum.

Varices

Abnormally dilated veins; in the GI context, usually esophageal or gastric, linked to portal hypertension.