Abdomen (Also called the "belly" or “tummy”.)
The part of the body that includes the area approximately from the chest to the hips.
Amylase
The digestive enzyme needed to digest starches (complex carbohydrates). This enzyme is produced by the pancreas.
Anemia
Refers to low red blood cell count.
Anus
A muscular valve that controls the opening from the large intestine to facilitate waste elimination (bowel movements).
Ascending Colon
The part of the large intestine located on the right side of the abdomen that attaches the cecum with the hepatic flexure at the start of the transverse colon.
Ascites
A collection of fluid in the abdomen, outside of the large and small intestines.
Asymptomatic
Absence of symptoms.
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Barium Swallow
A test in which x-rays are taken after one has swallowed some liquid barium. See also Upper GI X-Ray.
Biopsy
A tissue sample. In the case of digestive diseases, the biopsy is usually painless and is taken from the inner layers of the esophagus, stomach, small and large
intestines during endoscopy and colonoscopy procedures.
Bloating
A puffing up of the abdomen, usually caused by excess gas that has accumulated in the small and/or large intestines. Lactose intolerance, IBS, and other intestinal
disorders may increase one's likelihood of experiencing bloating. Gassy foods such as beans, peanuts, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale and related foods may
lead to bloating from fermentation of a certain carbohydrate that is high in these foods. Also, improper digestion of other nutrients (fats, carbohydrates, proteins) may cause bloating.
Brush Border
The collection of microvilli forming a border on the intestinal side (inside, intraluminal) of the epithelial cells of the small intestine.
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Carbohydrate
Any substance that has a molecular structure based on sugar, including sugar, glucose, fructose, etc., as well as more complex starches found in plant food sources (fruits, grains, vegetables, etc.).
CAT Scan
See CT Scan.
CBC (Complete Blood Count)
A blood test that includes a count of all the red and white blood cells and includes a hemoglobin count. Statistics about the red blood cells are also calculated and included in the test results.
Cecum
The pouch-like start of the large intestine and includes the location where the small intestine connects to the beginning of the large intestine; the cecum is located in the lower right side of the abdomen. The appendix is attached to the bottom of the cecum.
Celiac Disease (Sprue)
A disease in which one part of the gluten molecule found in wheat, rye and barley (questionably, also in oats) causes an immune system response in the digestive system, causing such symptoms as nausea, vomiting, intestinal cramping, and malabsorption. Symptoms subside when gluten grains (wheat, rye, barley, oats) are avoided. Flattened villi are often associated with the disease, and their appearance on biopsy/endoscopic evaluation helps diagnose the disease. Blood antibodies to the gluten and/or gliadin may also assist with diagnosis.
Chronic
Being long-lasting and recurrent.
Colitis
Inflammation of the tissues of the large intestine.
Colon
See Large Intestine.
Colonoscopy
A procedure in which a camera on the end of a lighted tube, an endoscope, is inserted through the anus and rectum and is used to view the inside of the entire large intestine and sometimes the terminal ileum. Biopsies of the mucosal layers within the large intestine or terminal ileum of the small intestine may be taken during the colonoscopic procedure. Preparation involves the use of purgatives to clear out waste from the large intestine and avoiding food and drink for at least 12 hours before the procedure. One is usually given a sedative prior to the procedure.
Compliance
degree to which a patient correctly follows medical advice; conformity; takes or consumes a medication exactly as prescribed by a physician, acting according to certain accepted standards.
Congenital
Present since birth; usually associated as non-genetic or non-germline.
Conscious Sedation
A type of sedation for medical procedures using medications at a dose allowing spontaneous breathing with minimal awareness.
Crohn's Disease (Also called Regional Enteritis.)
A form of IBD in which inflammation occurs in a patchy pattern in one or more layers of any part of the digestive system (from mouth to anus; most common locations are the terminal ileum and large intestine). There is no known cause or cure; genetic inheritance is common and there are genetic differences between those with and without the disease.
CSID
An acronym for the disease of congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency for which Sucraid is approved as the only FDA approved treatment.
CT Scan (Computed Tomography; also called Computerized Axial Tomography, or CAT Scan)
A special type of x-ray that results in a series of cross-sectional pictures of the joint, bone or other area being scanned. CT images are able to show blood vessels, and they provide more details about bones than some other forms of imaging. CT scans also show the relationships between soft tissue and bone.
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Deficiency
Inadequacy or incompleteness.
Descending Colon
The part of the large intestine located on the left side of the abdomen that connects the transverse colon at the splenic flexure with the sigmoid colon at the sigmoid flexure.
Diaphragm
A muscular and connective tissue structure separating the chest and abdominal cavities. The diaphragm contracts and expands in correlation with the lungs during breathing.
Dietician
A professional trained in nutrition and diet planning.
Digestive System
All of the muscular organs involved in eating, digesting foods and eliminating solid food wastes, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.
Disaccharide
Any sugar, such as sucrose, maltose and lactose, consisting of two monosaccharides combined together.
Disaccharidase
An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of disaccharides into monosaccharides.
Distention
Bloating or swelling of the abdomen.
Duodenitis
Inflammation of the duodenum.
Duodenum
The upper part of the small intestine that connects the lower part of the stomach with the jejunum.
Dysmotility
Abnormal motility. In reference to the GI tract, food moves more slowly than normal through the esophagus, stomach and/or intestines.
Dyspepsia
Discomfort in the stomach marked by symptoms of nausea, loss of appetite, bloating, belching and/or flatulence, change in bowel habits, heartburn, reflux,
and/or a gnawing or burning sensation in the stomach area. Causes may include insufficient digestive enzymes or HCl, ulcer, esophageal spasms, intestinal obstruction
or other motility problem, IBS, gallstones, lactose intolerance, heart problems, or other causes.
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Elimination Diet
A diet in which specific foods have been eliminated.
Endoscope
A tube with a light and a camera on the end of it that is used to view the esophagus, stomach, part of the duodenum, part of the terminal
ileum and the entire large intestine. Endoscopes usually also contain a biopsy aspiration port for collection of tissue samples during endoscopic
procedures. See also Colonoscopy, Endoscopy, and Sigmoidoscopy.
Endoscopy
A procedure in which an endoscope is passed through the mouth into the esophagus, stomach and part of the duodenum. Biopsies may be taken of
the mucosal layers during this procedure. The patient is typically sedated during the procedure. The only preparation is avoiding all food and
liquids for at least 4-8 hours before the procedure.
Enteritis
Inflammation in the tissues of the digestive system.
Enzyme
A type of catalyst, which means they speed up chemical reactions. In the case of digestive enzymes, they speed up the digestion or breaking down
of food into nutritional components such as fatty acids, amino acids, sugars, vitamins and minerals. When the organs which produce digestive enzymes
are not producing sufficient quantities, a supplemental form of digestive enzymes may be needed for proper digestion to occur. Some metabolic
disorders involve the lack of a certain enzyme needed for processing or metabolizing specific food components.
Erythrocyte
A red blood cell.
Esophagus
The muscular tube that connects the back of the mouth to the top of the stomach.
Etiology
The cause or triggering factor for development of a specific disease. For example, a helicobacter pylori bacterial infection is involved in the etiology
of most stomach and duodenal ulcers. When a specific etiology is not obvious, the condition is said to be idiopathic.
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Failure to Thrive (FTT)
A general term used for insufficient growth (by standard growth charts) or inadequate weight gain caused by a variety of medical and psychosocial conditions.
Fat
A dietary substance that is broken down in the body to fatty acids. See also EFA.
Fatty Acid
See EFA.
Fistula
An abnormal tract formed between loops of bowel, the bowel and other organs, or the bowel and the skin surface. Fistulas are normally associated
with severe Crohn's Disease, but possibly might also occur with other full-thickness inflammatory conditions. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory
medications are typically required for treatment, and placement of a drain or surgical treatment may also be necessary.
Flare
A time during which active disease is present.
Flatulence
Passing gas through the anus. May be accompanied by bloating, indigestion and/or other symptoms.
Flexure
A normal bend in a tubular body structure such as the large intestines.
Fructose (Also called levulose.)
A simple monosaccharide found in many foods. It is a white solid that dissolves readily in water. Honey, tree fruits, berries, melons, and some root
vegetables contain significant amounts of the fructose derivative sucrose (table sugar).
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Gallbladder
A saclike organ located just underneath the liver. The gallbladder serves as a storage location for bile produced by the liver.
Gastritis
Inflammation of the stomach.
Gastroenterologist
A physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the digestive system, also including disorders of the liver, spleen and pancreas.
Gene
The basic unit of heredity in a living organism.
Genetics
The branch of biology that studies heredity and variation in organisms.
Geneticist
A biologist who specializes in genetics.
Genomics
The branch of genetics that studies organisms in terms of their genomes (their full DNA sequences).
GI or GI Tract (Gastro-Intestinal Tract)
The digestive system.
Glucoamylase
Any enzyme that hydrolyzes the glucoside bond in starches and dextrins.
Glucose
A simple sugar (monosaccharide) also known as grape sugar, blood sugar, or corn sugar, that is an important carbohydrate in biology. Cells use it as a source
of energy and metabolic intermediate.
Gluten
A type of protein found in wheat, rye, barley and possibly oats. Corn and rice have small amounts of a seemingly different type of gluten that does not seem
to cause symptoms in people with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Gluten Intolerance
Synonym for celiac disease.
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H. pylori
A bacteria normally found in the digestive system; when present in large enough numbers, the bacteria cause most cases of ulcers in the stomach and duodenum.
HCl (Hydrochloric Acid)
The acid produced by cells in the lining of the stomach. When present, it aids in the initial stages of protein digestion, but is not required for complete protein digestion.
Hepatic
Referring to the liver.
Hepatic Flexure
The bend in the large intestine that is located on the right side of the abdomen just under the liver and connects the ascending colon with the transverse colon.
Hereditary
The passing of traits to offspring (from its parent or ancestors).
Heterogeneous
Consisting of elements that are not of the same kind or nature.
Hiccough (Also called Hiccup.)
A spasm of the diaphragm.
High Power Field (hpf)
Magnified 400-fold under the microscope.
Hydrogen Breath Test (HBT)
A test that uses the measurement of hydrogen in the breath to diagnose several conditions that cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Bacteria produce hydrogen when they
are exposed to unabsorbed food - particularly sugars and carbohydrates, not proteins or fats. Although limited hydrogen is produced from the small amounts of unabsorbed
food that normally reach the colon, large amounts of hydrogen may be produced when there is a problem with the digestion or absorption of food in the small intestine.
Hyperplasia
An increase in the number of cells in an organ which leads to increased thickness or size of the organ.
Hypoallergenic
Low potential to cause allergic reactions.
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IBD
See Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Idiopathic
No obvious cause.
Ileal-Cecal Valve
A muscle valve at the connection point between the large and small intestines, located in the cecum.
Ileum
The last part of the small intestine, which connects the jejunum with the large intestine.
Indigestion
See Dyspepsia.
Inflammation
A non-specific term describing a reaction at the cellular level resulting from injury or irritation. Inflammatory responses lead to repair. Inflammation
can occur anywhere in the body and from many different causes.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
A disease in which chronic inflammation of the digestive system occurs. Two specific types of IBD are identified, Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome, also incorrectly called "spastic colon.")
A functional disorder in which constipation and/or diarrhea or alternating between the two seems to occur frequently. Inflammation is not part of IBS. Lactose
Intolerance and other food allergies or intolerances seem to be associated with the syndrome, and Candida Albicans or other intestinal bacterial imbalance may
also be associated. Test results are typically normal. There is no known cure.
Intolerance
Symptoms that develop in response to the ingestion of dietary substances.
Isomaltase
The enzyme that breaks the bonds linking saccharides, which cannot be broken by amylase or maltase.
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J-Tube
A tube surgically inserted through the skin and into the small intestines to enable liquid feeding (or elemental formula) directly into the small intestine, bypassing the esophagus and stomach.
Jejunum
The middle part of the small intestine.
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Lactose
The sugar comprising one glucose molecule linked to a galactose molecule; occurs only in milk and dairy products.
Lactose Intolerance
Symptoms of flatulence, abdominal cramps, and/or diarrhea after the ingestion of lactose (milk sugar). Individuals who are deficient in the
intestinal enzyme lactase, do not digest or absorb lactose properly. Malabsorbed lactose reaches the large intestine and is fermented by bacteria.
Byproducts of the fermentation process cause symptoms.
Large Bowel
See Large Intestine
Large Intestine
A long muscular tube that connects the small intestine with the anus.
Lipase
The digestive enzyme needed to properly digest lipids, or fats. This enzyme is produced by the pancreas. (Bile is also needed to digest fats.)
Liver
A large, solid organ in the right upper corner of the abdomen, protected by the rib cage. It performs thousands of individual biochemical functions
including the production of numerous blood protein components, the breakdown and excretion of numerous substances, the storage of carbohydrates for use as
"fuel" for the body between meals, and the production and excretion of bile.
Lower GI Series
See Lower GI X-Ray.
Lower GI X-Ray
A series of x-rays taken of the large intestine after a liquid solution of barium has been put into the large intestine via enema.
Lumen
The hollow portion of a tubular body structure, such as a blood vessel, the intestines, and the esophagus.
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Malabsorption
Inability to absorb sufficient nutrients, either certain specific nutrients or all nutrients in general, from one's typical diet.
Maltase
The enzyme that breaks down the disaccharide maltose.
Metabolic Disorder
Disorders in which the production or breakdown of one or more specific chemical substance(s) within the body is abnormal due to a
genetic alteration in a single enzyme.
Motility
The coordinated neuromuscular activity of the wall of the GI tract that moves intestinal contents.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
A computer-assisted imaging technique that is free of radiation (unlike CT Scans). Sometimes, an MRI may be done using a contrast dye in
order to enhance specific body structures. Images are produced in cross-sectional pictures of the part of the body being scanned. MRI
scans are used to view soft tissue and bone, including a wide variety of problems. For example, fractures, tumors, abdominal problems,
and some nerve problems can all be examined via MRI.
Mucosa
The innermost layer of the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines. This layer is visible on endoscopic or colonoscopic examination.
The submucosa is just underneath the mucosa. The mucosa and submucosa can be biopsied via colonoscopic or endoscopic procedure.
Muscularis
The middle layer of the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines. This layer cannot be biopsied via standard biopsy means. A full
thickness biopsy is typically required to obtain a tissue sample containing the muscularis layer.
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Narrowing
See Stenosis.
NPO
No food by mouth.
Nutritionist
A specialist in the study of nutrition.
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Orphan Drug
A medication used for the treatment of a small population of patients. In the United States an orphan drug is defined by law as having a prevalence
of less than 200,000 individuals. In Europe an orphan drug is defined as less than 5 per population of 10,000.
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Pancreas
A gland in the body located behind the stomach and extending towards the liver. The pancreas is responsible for producing and secreting some
digestive enzymes and also insulin. Diabetes is a disease of the pancreas.
Pancreatic Enzymes
Enzymes produced and secreted by the pancreas that are needed for proper digestion.
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas, sometimes caused by certain medications or alcoholism.
Pathogenesis
The origination and development of a disease.
Peristalsis
Contraction of the muscles in the digestive system in a wavelike fashion, such that foodstuff is moved down from the mouth and through the
stomach and intestinal tract for elimination through the rectum. Motility disorders typically cause abnormalities with paristalsis.
Peritoneum
A membrane that encases mucous membrane structures such as the digestive system. See also Serosa.
Phenotype
Any observable characteristic or trait of an organism: such as its morphology, development, biochemical or physiological properties, or behavior.
Polyp
A growth or portion of abnormal tissue that extends from the digestive system wall into the hollow portion of the digestive system. Some are cancerous
or pre-cancerous. Some are due to inflammation. Polypectomy may be performed during an endoscopy or colonoscopy procedure.
Polypectomy
Removal of a polyp in the digestive system, usually during a colonoscopy or endoscopy procedure. A wire loop is placed over the polyp and then a very
low electrical current is passed through the wire as the wire is moved such that the polyp is removed by the movement of the wire through the base of
the polyp. The electrical current in the wire helps to cauterize the polyp removal location to reduce bleeding and prevent infection.
Prevalence
Total number of persons in a given population with a disease or other health-related event during a specified period of time, usually expressed as a percentage.
Probiotic
A supplemental form of lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus bifidus, some soil-based organisms and/or other bacteria that are known to inhabit
healthy small and/or large intestines.
Protease
A class of enzyme whose function is to digest other proteins.
Protein
A nutritional component required by the body to sustain life. Protein is made up of amino acids that have been connected together in a variety of
configurations depending on the type of protein. See also Amino Acid.
Pyloric Stenosis
Fixed narrowing of the muscle that controls the outlet of the stomach.
Pylorus
The muscle that surrounds and controls the outlet of the stomach (between the stomach and the duodenum).
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Rectum
The last part of the large intestine that connects to the anus.
Resection
Surgical removal of tissue.
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Sacrosidase (Trade name Sucraid)
A medication used to replace sucrase in people lacking this enzyme. It is available as an oral solution.
Sed Rate
See ESR.
Sedation
Use of medication for a calming effect. Also see conscious sedation.
Serosa (Also called the peritoneum.)
The outermost layer of the GI tract. The subserosa is the layer just under the serosa. Both serosa and subserosa cannot be biopsied through
an endoscopic or colonoscopic procedure.
Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS)
Refers to the state in which an intestine is too short to normally perform all of its functions, and results from surgical resection or a
birth defect in intestinal development.
Short Gut Syndrome
See Short Bowel Syndrome.
Sigmoid Colon
A curved part of the large intestine that extends from the rectum to the descending colon on the left side of the abdomen and which includes
the sigmoid flexure.
Sigmoidoscope
A short, flexible or rigid endoscope designed only to examine the rectum and sigmoid portion of the large intestine.
Sigmoidoscopy
A procedure in which a flexible or rigid sigmoidoscope is inserted into the rectum and through the entire length of the sigmoid portion of the
large intestine for examination and possible biopsy. Preparation includes an enema and mild laxative to clear waste from the sigmoid and rectal
areas. Sedation may be used if needed.
Small Bowel
See Small Intestine.
Small Intestine
A long muscular tube that connects the bottom of the stomach with the large intestine (large bowel).
Splenic Flexure
The bend in the large intestine located in the left side of the abdomen (just under the stomach and spleen) where the ascending colon and
transverse colon are connected.
Starch
A complex carbohydrate found chiefly in seeds, fruits, tubers, roots and stem pith of plants, notably in corn, potatoes, wheat, and rice.
Steatorrhea
Stool with excess fat in it, in the intestines from IBD, EE, etc.
Stenosis
Any type of narrowing of a tubular or hollow structure in the body, such as the intestinal tract or spinal column.
Steroid
A type of medication that is a synthetic version of Cortisol or other hormones. When based on Cortisol, this type of medication suppresses the
immune system and is therefore used to treat allergies, asthma, EE, autoimmune diseases, some forms of cancer, organ transplant rejection and other
diseases, and to provide adrenal gland support in cases of adrenal insufficiency. If based on estrogen, it is used as post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy.
Stomach
A muscular pouch attached to the bottom of the esophagus where food is stored while it is being prepared for digestion and nutrient extraction in the small intestine.
Stricture
A single point of narrowing in the digestive system like a string were tied around the outside of the tubular intestinal or esophageal area such
that partial or total obstruction may occur.
Sucrase Invertase
An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose into glucose and fructose.
Sucrase-Isomaltase
A glucosidase enzyme.
Sucrose (Also known as white or table sugar.)
An organic compound made up of two simple sugar units: glucose and fructose.
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Tenesmus
A spasm of the muscles in the rectum and/or anus that is usually very painful. People with IBD and IBS may experience tenesmus as one symptom of their disease.
Transverse Colon
The part of the large intestine that connects the hepatic flexure with the splenic flexure and which lies across the abdomen from right to the left.
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Ulcer
An area of variable size and depth in which the lining of the GI tract has eroded away.
Ulcerative Colitis
A form of IBD in which inflammation occurs in a contiguous pattern in the inner layers of the large intestine.
Upper GI Series
See Upper GI X-Ray and SBFT.
Upper GI X-Ray
A series of x-rays taken of the esophagus and stomach after one consumes liquid barium. If x-rays of the small bowel are also included, it is
called an Upper GI X-Ray with small bowel follow-through.
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Villi
The tiny fingerlike projections on the inside of the small intestine wall that are responsible for nutrition absorption from the foods we eat.
In some diseases, such as Celiac/Sprue and Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis, the villi can appear flattened on endoscopic and/or biopsy evaluation.
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WBC (White Blood Cell)
A type of blood cell that is involved in the immune system response to invading organisms (bacteria, virus or parasite). The different types of
white blood cells include Basophils, Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Eosinophils and Monocytes.
WBC with Diff (White Blood Cell Count with Differential)
A type of blood test in which the total number of white blood cells in a measured amount of blood are counted, and then each of the different types
of white blood cells are counted and listed separately in the test results.
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X-Ray
A type of radioactive picture taken of the body that enables the physician to see bones and some soft tissue. A contrast dye, barium or other medium
may be used to enhance certain body structures in the x-ray.
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