Digestive System Diseases: GERD, Peptic Ulcers, and Gallstones

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering the pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnostics, treatments, and complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcers, and gallstones.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

A chronic digestive condition diagnosed when stomach acid repeatedly flows back up into the esophagus over an extended period, leading to ongoing inflammation and tissue damage.

Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)

A muscular ring located at the junction between the esophagus and stomach that normally acts as a one-way valve to allow food in and close tightly to prevent stomach contents from escaping upward.

Acute Condition

A medical state that appears suddenly and resolves rapidly once the underlying cause is addressed, such as occasional acid reflux after a heavy meal.

Chronic Condition

A medical state that develops slowly over time, recurs frequently, and persists without long-term management and medical intervention.

Hiatal Hernia

An anatomical condition where the upper part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm, serving as a risk factor for GERD.

Dysphagia

Difficulty or pain when swallowing food, which can occur when stomach acid burns and irritates esophageal tissue, causing swelling and narrowing.

Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

A diagnostic procedure in which a physician inserts a thin, flexible tube with a camera down the throat to directly inspect the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for tissue irritation, ulcers, or scarring.

Esophageal pH Monitoring

A diagnostic test that uses a tiny sensor placed in the esophagus to record acid levels continuously over a $24$-hour period.

Esophageal Manometry

A diagnostic procedure that measures muscle contractions and internal pressure within the esophagus during the swallowing process.

Antacids

Over-the-counter medications (such as Tums) that provide rapid relief by directly neutralizing existing stomach acid.

H2 Blockers

A category of acid-reducing pharmaceutical medications (such as famotidine) that function by lowering stomach acid production.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

A class of medications (such as omeprazole) that block acid production to provide damaged esophageal tissue time to heal.

Nissen Fundoplication

A surgical intervention for GERD in which surgeons wrap the upper section of the stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter to mechanically reinforce the valve.

Barrett's Esophagus

A chronic complication of GERD involving an abnormal cellular alteration in the lower esophageal lining, which carries an increased risk of esophageal cancer.

Esophageal Stricture

An abnormal narrowing of the esophagus caused by persistent acid-induced inflammation, tissue destruction, and scarring.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

A condition marked by open sores affecting the lining of the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum).

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

A species of bacteria responsible for widespread gastric infections and recognized as one of the two primary causes of peptic ulcers.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

A group of common pain medications whose regular, long-term consumption serves as a leading cause of peptic ulcer formation.

Peristalsis

The involuntary, wave-like muscular contractions of the digestive tract that can be disrupted by the pain and inflammation of peptic ulcers.

Gallstones

Hardened crystalline deposits that develop in the gallbladder and biliary tract, primarily resulting from excess cholesterol, excess bilirubin, or incomplete gallbladder emptying.

Abdominal Ultrasound

A non-invasive medical imaging modality that utilizes sound waves to detect the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder and biliary tree.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas that can arise as a severe systemic health complication when gallstones obstruct pancreatic or biliary ducts.

Minimally Invasive Gallbladder Removal Surgery

The standard surgical procedure used to excise the diseased gallbladder, functioning as a permanent and fully effective cure for gallstones.