Acid Reflux

When the lining of the esophagus is exposed to the backward flow (reflux) of stomach acid

Acute

Of short duration (not necessarily severe)

Allergy

An acquired, abnormal immune response to a substance that can cause a broad range of inflammatory reactions

Anus

Lower opening of the rectum

Benign

Noncancerous

Chronic

Continuing for a long time

Celiac Disease

Damage to the intestine of susceptible people by gluten

Colitis

Inflammation of the mucosa (lining) of the colon

Colon

Large intestine

Colonoscopy

Endoscopic inspection of the colon

Colostomy

An opening in the body wall created surgically so the colon can drain

Constipation

Passage of small amounts of hard, dry bowel movements, usually fewer than three times a week

Crohn’s Disease

A chronic inflammatory disease affecting any part of the gut

Diarrhea

Loose, watery stools occurring more than three times in one day

Digestion

Breaking down of food to simpler substances for absorption from the digestive system

Enzyme

A protein that speeds up chemical reactions and breaks down food into nutrients that the body can absorb

Esophagus

A continuous tube leading from the back of the mouth to stomach

Fiber

The part of a plant that is not digested and helps to make stools bulky and soft

Functional Disorder

A condition in which an organ does not function perfectly, although it may look structurally normal and the doctor can find no evidence of disease

Gallstones

Stones usually formed from crystals of cholesterol in the gallbladder

Gastritis

Inflammation of the mucosa (lining) of the stomach

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease where the stomach contents regurgitate and back up (reflux) into the esophagus

Gluten

The sticky (glutinous) protein of wheat, rye, barley, and oats

Heartburn

A burning sensation that radiates up from the stomach to the chest and throat

Hemorrhoids

Swelling of blood vessels in the anus. Most often painless, hemorrhoids can become inflamed and painful or can open and bleed

Hiatus Hernia

Protrusion of part of the stomach through the hiatus of the diaphragm

Inflammation

Reddening of a tissue in response to injury or infection

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Disease where the bowel becomes inflamed. Usually refers to ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A common functional bowel disorder causing abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation

Polyp

Benign (noncancerous) bowel tumor

Rectum

Lower end of the bowel leading from colon to anus