Barrett’s Esophagus
A condition in which the lining of the esophagus is chronically damaged and needs regular reassessment. Barrett’s esophagus is common in patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. See GERD. For more information visit www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002128
Bravo System
The Bravo system involves a capsule, about the size of a PEZ candy that is temporarily attached to the wall of the esophagus to measure the pH (acid) levels, which help diagnose Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. See GERD. For more information visit www.givenimaging.com/en-us/Patients/Bravo/Pages/WhatistheBravopH.aspx
Celiac
This lifelong autoimmune condition occurs when the body attacks itself when gluten is eaten. Gluten is a protein found in certain grains such as wheat. For more information visit www.celiac.org
Colonoscopy
A visual inspection of the inside of the entire colon from the rectum (the beginning of the large intestine) to the cecum to screen for abnormalities. For more information visit www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/colonoscopy/
Colorectal Cancer
Cancer of the colon or large bowel occurs when cancerous growths are found in the colon or rectum. For more information visit www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/colon-and-rectal
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation
A lay organization dedicated to funding research for treatment and cure of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on Crohn’s and Colitis visit the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation at www.ccfa.org
Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis
Diverticulosis exists when small pouches form in the lining of the colon or large intestine. Diverticulitis occurs when there is inflammation associated with diverticulosis. For more information visit www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/diverticular/index
Endoscope
A lighted, flexible tube like a television camera, that allows seeing into the upper (upper endoscopy) and lower (colonoscopy) gastrointestinal tract. For more information visit www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002360.htm
Esophageal Dilation
This technique is used to stretch or open a blocked area of the esophagus. For more information visit www.asge.org/PatientInfoIndex.aspx?id=392
Feeding Tube Placement
A tube placed in the abdomen to provide food, liquids and medications directly into the stomach. For more information visit www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002937.htm
Gallstones
Pebble-like deposits in the gallbladder. For more information visit www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001318
Gastritis
Inflammation of the lining of the stomach. For more information visit www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gastritis
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is a chronic digestive disease that occurs when stomach acid or occasionally bile flows back (refluxes) into the esophagus causing heartburn and injury to the esophageal lining tissue. For more information visit www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerd/
GI Bleeding
Any bleeding that starts in the gastrointestinal tract, which runs from the mouth to the anus. For more information visit www.acg.gi.org/patients/gibleeding/index.asp
Heartburn
A burning sensation in the chest or throat. For more information visit www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/heartburn.html
Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori)
Bacteria that can colonize and inflame parts of the stomach and duodenum associated with gastritis and ulcers. For more information visit www.helico.com/
Hemorrhoids
The prominence of veins in the lower rectum and around the anus, in association with inflammation. For more information visit www.hemorrhoids.net
Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver caused by a virus or toxic agent. For more information visit www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002139/
Hiatal Hernia
A condition where the upper stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest. For more information visit www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002122
High Fiber Diet
Relief of constipation, elimination of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome or diverticular disease. Learn more.
Hydrogen Breath Test
A test used to diagnose carbohydrate malapsorption and bacterial overgrowth in the small bowel. For more information visit www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003500.htm
Incontinence (fecal)
The inability to control bowel movements. For more information visit www.acg.gi.org/patients/gihealth/fi.asp
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease (which is not the same thing as irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS) refers to two chronic diseases that cause inflammation of the digestive tract: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. For more information visit http://www.acg.gi.org/patients/gihealth/ibd.asp
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition of unknown cause to which a constellation of symptoms including cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation may be attributed. For more information visit www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs
Lactose Intolerance
Digestive symptoms that result from the inability to completely digest milk sugar (lactate) in dairy products. For more information visit www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001321 or learn more on our website.
Lower GI series
A procedure that utilizes barium sulfate to fill the colon while x-rays are taken. For more information visit www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/lowergi
Polyp
An abnormal, possibly precancerous growth of tissue that sticks out from a mucous membrane and is commonly found in the colon. For more information visit www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/colonpolyps_ez
Polyp removal
Growths (polyps) are removed during a colonoscopy, a visual examination of the inside of the colon with a lighted thin flexible tube. This is a routine outpatient procedure. For more information visit www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/colonpolyps_ez/
PillCam SB
A video capsule in a pill that’s the size of a large vitamin that provides pictures of its journey through the small intestine. For more information visit www.givenimaging.com/en-us/Patients/Pages/pageSmallBowel.aspx
PillCam ESO 2
A video capsule in a pill that’s the size of a large vitamin that provides pictures of its journey through the esophagus. For more information visit www.givenimaging.com/en-us/Patients/Pages/PillCamESO.aspx
Restech
Only available at AGA, Restech is a device used to evaluate upper and lower respiratory symptoms that may be related to acid reflux.
Schatzki’s Ring
Schatzki’s Ring is an abnormal ring of tissue that forms where the esophagus and the stomach meet. For more information visit www.medicinenet.com/schatzki_ring/article.htm
SmartPill
A device that, when swallowed, provides information about stomach emptying and bowel motility disorders associated with constipation and diarrhea. AGA is the first in the area to use the SmartPill.
Ulcer
An open sore that forms in the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. For more information visit www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hpylori
Upper Endoscopy
A visual inspection of the inside of the upper digestive tract using a lighted flexible tube. For more information visit www.asge.org/PatientInfoIndex.aspx?id=378
Virtual Colonoscopy
A procedure used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum using a CT scan. Unlike traditional colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy doesn't require sedation or the insertion of a scope into the colon but does require a laxative preparation. For more information visit www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/virtualcolonoscopy/
