Glossary and downloads

Terms

Description

Antacids

Non-prescription medicines that relieve heartburn, a symptom of reflux disease, by neutralizing stomach acid.

Antibiotic

A medicine that can destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Antibodies

Substances produced by your body in the blood or tissues in response, for example, to specific bacteria and that destroy or weaken these bacteria, thus forming the basis of immunity.

Aspirin

The brand name for acetyl salicylic acid, a classical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Regular use of aspirin can be associated with upper gastrointestinal symptoms and side-effects.

Barrett's esophagus

A disorder in which the normal cells lining the lower esophagus are replaced by cells similar to those lining the stomach. Long-term acid reflux is associated with an increased likelihood of developing Barrett's esophagus. In rare cases, Barrett's esophagus may lead to the development of esophageal cancer.

Duodenal ulcer

A sore area on the inner lining of the upper part of the small intestine.

Duodenitis

Inflammation and irritation of the wall of the duodenum.

Duodenun

The upper part of the small intestine, which the partially digested food enters immediately after leaving the stomach.

Dyspepsia

A pain or an uncomfortable feeling in the upper middle part of your stomach.

Dysphagia

Difficulty in swallowing, which can be a symptom of reflux disease.

Endoscopy

A procedure during which a narrow flexible tube with a light and tiny camera (fibre-optic) is placed down your throat and esophagus (to look for esophagitis) and into your stomach and duodenum (to look for a peptic ulcer).

Esophageal sphincter

The muscle at the base of the esophagus that controls the entry of food into the stomach. In many people with reflux disease this muscle does not work properly.

Esophagitis or oesophagitis

Erosion of the lining of the esophagus (or tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach), which may occur when the esophagus is exposed to stomach acid over a period of time.

Esophagus, oesophagus or gullet

The tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach.

Gastric ulcer or stomach ulcer

A sore area on the lining of the stomach.

Gastritis

Inflammation of the stomach lining.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or reflux disease

A condition that develops when the reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms and complications.

Gastrointestinal (GI)

Relating to any part of the GI tract.

H2-receptor antagonist

A type of drug that partially blocks acid secretion from the stomach. Examples of H2-receptor antagonists include ranitidine, famotidine, nizatidine.

Heartburn

The most common symptom of acid reflux disease. It can be described as a burning sensation in the retrosternal area (behind the breastbone).

Indigestion

Abdominal discomfort or illness resulting from the inability to digest, or a difficulty in properly digesting, food in the digestive tract.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Recurrent abdominal pain and diarrhea (often alternating with periods of constipation); often associated with emotional stress.

Peptic ulcer

A sore area or hole in the upper digestive tract, usually in the stomach or duodenum, where the mucous membrane is exposed to gastric secretions.

Proton pump inhibitor or PPI

A type of drug that is highly effective in blocking acid secretion in the stomach. Esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole and rabeprazole are all PPIs.

Reflux esophagitis

Inflammation of the esophagus due to the reflux (backward flow) of the stomach contents into the esophagus.

Reflux of acid

The backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus.

Regurgitation

Regurgitation is defined as the perception of flow of refluxed gastric content into the mouth or hypopharynx.

Stomach ulcer or gastric ulcer

A sore area on the lining of the stomach.

Ulcer complications

Perforation (when the ulcer becomes too deep and breaks through the stomach or duodenal wall), bleeding (when acid or the ulcer breaks a blood vessel) or obstruction (when the ulcer blocks the path of food going through the intestines). These all require immediate medical attention.

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

Test to examine the upper part of the digestive system. Also known as gastroscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).