Digestive Word Parts

cheil/o

lip

choledoch/o

common bile duct

dips/o

thirst

-clysis

irrigation; washing

-pexy

surgical fixation

-rrhaphy

suture

Colonoscopy (Purpose)

Used to check for colon cancer, polyps, bleeding, inflammation, or unexplained digestive symptoms.

Colonoscopy (Procedure)

A flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the rectum to view the colon; patient is sedated and colon must be cleaned beforehand.

Hematemesis

Vomiting blood

Hematochezia

Bright red blood in stool

Occult blood test

Detects hidden (not visible) blood in stool; often used to screen for colon cancer.

Laxatives (Function)

Stimulate bowel movements by softening stool, increasing intestinal movement, or adding bulk.

Laxatives (Used to treat)

Constipation

Heartburn (Medical term)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux.

Heartburn (Cause)

Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to close properly, allowing stomach acid to flow back up.

Anorexia nervosa

Severe food restriction with intense fear of weight gain; often underweight.

Anorexia nervosa (Treatment)

Medical care, therapy, and nutritional rehabilitation.

Bulimia nervosa

Binge eating followed by purging (vomiting, laxatives, excessive exercise); weight may be normal.

Bulimia nervosa (Treatment)

Therapy, nutrition counseling, sometimes medication.

Hiatal hernia

Stomach pushes through the diaphragm; causes reflux symptoms.

Hiatal hernia (Treatment)

Antacids, lifestyle changes, surgery if severe.

Inguinal hernia

Intestine protrudes through abdominal wall in the groin area.

Inguinal hernia (Treatment)

Surgery

Gallstones (Medical term)

Cholelithiasis.

Gallstones (Treatment)

Removal of gallbladder (cholecystectomy); sometimes medications or dietary changes.

Colitis

Inflammation of the colon causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, and blood in stool.

Colitis (Treatment)

Anti-inflammatory drugs and diet changes.

Crohn’s disease

Chronic inflammatory disease that can affect any part of the GI tract; causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue.

Crohn’s disease (Treatment)

Medication, diet management, sometimes surgery.

Constipation

Infrequent or difficult bowel movements.

Constipation (Treatment)

Fiber-rich diet, fluids, exercise, laxatives if needed.

Antiemetics

Class of drugs used to treat nausea.

Cirrhosis

Chronic liver damage caused by alcohol use, hepatitis, or fatty liver disease; damage is irreversible but progression can be slowed.

Registered Dietitian (RD)

Creates nutrition plans and educates patients about diet and health.

Dentist

Diagnoses and treats teeth and oral health issues.

Gastroenterologist

Specialist in digestive system disorders.

Periodontist

Treats gum disease and supporting structures of teeth.

Sphincter

A ring-shaped muscle that opens and closes to control movement.

Digestive sphincters (order)

Upper esophageal sphincter; Lower esophageal sphincter; Pyloric sphincter; Ileocecal valve; Internal anal sphincter; External anal sphincter.