Gastrointestinal disease
Gastrointestinal disease
Gastrointestinal disease (pronounced: gas-tro-in-tes-ti-nal di-zeez) refers to diseases involving the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and rectum, and the accessory organs of digestion, the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
Etymology
The term "gastrointestinal" is derived from the Greek words "gaster" (stomach) and "enteron" (intestine). The term "disease" comes from the Old French "desaise" meaning lack of ease.
Types of Gastrointestinal Diseases
There are many types of gastrointestinal diseases, including:
- Peptic ulcer disease: This condition occurs when painful sores or ulcers develop in the lining of the stomach or first part of the small intestine.
- Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, usually caused by an infection or some type of toxin.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus).
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): This term covers two conditions, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This is a common disorder that affects the large intestine and can cause cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation.
Related Terms
- Gastroenterologist: A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive system.
- Endoscopy: A procedure used to examine the digestive tract using a flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it.
- Colonoscopy: A procedure used to examine the large intestine for disease, typically colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps.
- Biopsy: A procedure that involves taking a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gastrointestinal disease
- Wikipedia's article - Gastrointestinal disease
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