Glossary
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Antacids
Drugs used for indigestion and heartburn that neutralize stomach acid.
Barium Esophagram (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 esophagus and other structural abnormalities.
Barrett’s Epithelium/Esophagus
An abnormality of the cells lining the esophagus (esophageal 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.
Epithelium
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.
Esophageal 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 esophagus. An acid monitor at the end of the tube measures and records the acid levels in the esophagus for 24 hours. In the second, a pH monitor is clipped into the esophagus by endoscopy and records the pH up to a 48-hour period.
Esophagitis
Inflammation of the esophagus.
Esophagus
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.
GERD (Gastroesophageal 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 esophagus. 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.
LES
The lower esophageal sphincter. The muscular ring where the esophagus meets the stomach. Its function is to keep stomach juices from flowing up into the esophagus.
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 esophagus 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 (Esophageal)
The movement of the esophagus, induced by swallowing, in which waves of alternate circular contraction and relaxation propel the contents onward.
Primary Peristalsis (Esophageal)
Peristalsis that occurs in response to a swallow, and usually travels the full length of the esophagus.
Promotility Agent
Medications that increase the lower esophageal sphincter pressure, increase stomach emptying, and stimulate the esophagus 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 esophagus.
Regurgitation
The backflow of swallowed food or drink into the throat or mouth.
Secondary Peristalsis (Esophageal)
Peristalsis that originates in the esophagus in response to esophageal stimulation (distention or irritation), as opposed to that initiated by swallowing. The wave of contractions originates at the site of stimulation and extends to the lower esophageal 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 esophageal acidification during reflux.