Glossary of terms

Antacids Drugs used for indigestion and heartburn that neutralize stomach acid.

Barium Oesophagram (upper GI) A test in which the patient swallows a chalky, nonradioactive liquid containing barium. The barium coats the digestive tract and emphasizes the contours on x-ray. It can show narrowing of the oesophagus and other structural abnormalities.

Barrett’s Epithelium/Oesophagus An abnormality of the cells lining the oesophagus (oesophageal epithelium) in which they are altered so that they become columnar, thus resembling the lining of the stomach.

Dysphagia Difficulty in swallowing.

Endoscopy A diagnostic test in which a thin, flexible tube carrying a fiberoptic cable is swallowed by the patient to allow the physician to directly inspect the lining of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Eithelium The purely cellular layer covering all the free surfaces of the body: cutaneous (skin), mucous, and serous.

Erosion A shallow break in the esophagus limited to the mucosa.

Oesophageal pH monitoring This test determines the severity of acid reflux, including the amount of acidity and the time acid remains in the esophagus. There are two types of pH montoring tests. In the first, a tiny tube is inserted through the nose and into the oesophagus. An acid monitor at the end of the tube measures and records the acid levels in the oesophagus for 24 hours. In the second, a pH monitor is clipped into the oesophagus by endoscopy and records the pH up to a 48-hour period.

Oesophagitis Inflammation of the oesophagus.

Oesophagus The tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach.

Gastroenterologist A doctor who specializes in treating problems and diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestines, colon, liver, and pancreas.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Regurgitation of the stomach contents into the esophagus.

GORD (GastroOesophageal Reflux Disease) Chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus.

Heartburn A burning sensation, usually centered in the middle of the chest near the sternum, caused by the reflux of acidic stomach fluids that enter the lower end of the oesophagus. Also called acid reflux, cardialgia,
pyrosis.

Histamine2-Receptor Antagonist (H2-RA) A class of medications that decrease stomach acid by preventing histamine from stimulating the stomach to produce acid.

L E S The lower oesophageal sphincter. The muscular ring where the oesophagus meets the stomach. Its function is to keep stomach juices from flowing up into the oesophagus.

Mucosal The inner lining of a tubular structure or hollow organ.

Mucosal Protective Agents Medications that create a protective barrier on the lining of the oesophagus to protect it from stomach acid.

Parietal Cell A cell found within the stomach lumen that secretes hydrochloric acid.

Pepsin The principal digestive enzyme of the gastric juices.

Peristalsis (Oesophageal) The movement of the oesophagus, induced by swallowing, in which waves of alternate circular contraction and relaxation propel the contents onward.

Primary Peristalsis (Oeosophageal) Peristalsis that occurs in response to a swallow, and usually travels the full length of the esophagus.

Promotility Agent Medications that increase the lower oesophageal sphincter pressure, increase stomach emptying, and stimulate the oesophagus to contract more often and with more power.

Proton Pump Inhibitor A class of medications that block the final step in stomach acid production.

Reflux The backflow of stomach acid into the oesophagus.

Regurgitation The backflow of swallowed food or drink into the throat or mouth.

Secondary Peristalsis (Oesophageal) Peristalsis that originates in the oesophagus in response to oesophageal stimulation (distension or irritation), as opposed to that initiated by swallowing. The wave of contractions originates at the site of stimulation and extends to the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES).

Sphincter A ring-like band of muscle that can tighten to narrow or close off a tube or an orifice.

Ulcer A slow-healing open sore in which tissue breaks down.

Water Brash Vagally mediated excessive salivation that results from oesophageal acidification during reflux.

Taken From: http://www.babyreflux.co.uk/knowledge/glossary.php