Session 18: Upper and Lower GI Disorders Vocabulary

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes covering gastritis, GERD, peptic ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Gastritis

A general term for a condition characterized by inflammation of the lining of the stomach.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

A bacterial infection common worldwide that can infect the stomach lining and is associated with gastritis, stomach ulcers, and an increased risk of stomach cancer.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen that can irritate or damage the stomach lining and contribute to acute and chronic gastritis as well as peptic ulcers.

Autoimmune gastritis

A form of gastritis that occurs when the body's immune system attacks the cells that make up the stomach lining, weakening its protective barrier.

H. pylori breath test

A diagnostic test in which a patient drinks a special liquid containing radioactive carbon, which is then detected in their breath if the bacteria break it down.

Upper endoscopy

A procedure where a flexible tube with a camera is passed through the mouth into the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine to directly examine the upper digestive tract and take tissue biopsies.

Barium swallow

An X-ray examination of the upper digestive system (also known as an upper GI series) performed after a patient drinks a contrast material to make digestive structures visible.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

A class of medications, including omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole, that reduces stomach acid production to allow the stomach and esophageal lining to heal.

H2 blockers

A class of medications, including cimetidine, famotidine, and nizatidine, that reduces the amount of acid released into the digestive tract to relieve pain and promote healing.

Antacids

Medications that neutralize existing stomach acid to provide rapid symptom relief, though they do not directly heal damaged esophageal tissue.

Acetaminophen

An alternative pain reliever recommended for patients with gastritis because it is less likely to aggravate the stomach compared to NSAIDs.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

A condition occurring when stomach acid repeatedly flows backward into the esophagus, causing irritation or damage to the esophageal lining.

Heartburn

A burning sensation in the chest that often occurs after eating and can worsen at night or when lying down.

Scleroderma

A connective tissue disorder that causes the body to produce too much collagen, hardening tissues and weakening esophageal muscles like the lower esophageal sphincter.

Esophagitis

Inflammation of the esophagus resulting from stomach acid damage, which can potentially lead to bleeding or ulcers.

Esophageal stricture

A narrowing of the esophagus caused by scar tissue formation due to repeated stomach acid damage.

Barrett's esophagus

A precancerous complication of chronic GERD characterized by tissue lining changes in the lower esophagus.

Ambulatory acid (pH) probe

A diagnostic test that measures when and for how long stomach acid enters the esophagus.

Esophageal manometry

A diagnostic test that evaluates the coordination and strength of esophageal muscle contractions during swallowing.

Transnasal esophagoscopy

A diagnostic procedure where a thin, flexible camera is passed through the nose into the esophagus to inspect for damage.

Fundoplication

A surgical procedure for GERD in which the top of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophageal sphincter to tighten it and prevent reflux.

LINX device

A ring of small magnetic beads surgically placed around the junction between the stomach and esophagus to prevent acid reflux while permitting food passage.

Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF)

An endoscopic procedure performed through the mouth using polypropylene fasteners to tighten the lower esophageal sphincter without external incisions.

Gastric ulcers

A major type of peptic ulcer that occurs specifically inside the stomach.

Duodenal ulcers

A major type of peptic ulcer that occurs inside the upper portion of the small intestine.

Belching

The release of swallowed air or gas from the stomach through the mouth, commonly known as burping.

Hematemesis

The medical term for bloody vomit, which can indicate severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Hematochezia

The medical term for bloody or black tarry stools caused by gastrointestinal bleeding.

Peritonitis

An infection of the abdominal cavity that can occur if an ulcer creates a hole (perforation) through the stomach or intestinal wall.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

A chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal cramping, pain, bloating, gas, and altered bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or both.