Terminology
Definitions of terminology used across the site pages:
Antacids: Is a substance which neutralizes stomach acidity
Antiemetics: Is a drug that is used to treat vomiting and nausea
Autonomic Neuropathy: Is a group of symptoms that occur when there is damage to the nerves that manage every day body functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, bowel and bladder emptying, and digestion
Barium x-ray: An x-ray test of the upper part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (including the esophagus, stomach, and a small portion of the small intestine) after the patient is given a white, chalky barium sulfate solution to drink. This substance coats the upper GI and the x rays reveal any abnormality in the lining of the stomach and the upper GI.
Botox: Botulinum toxin is a protein and neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botox injections are used for various cosmetic and medical procedures
Breath test: With this test, the person eats a meal containing a small amount of radioactive material; then breath samples are taken over a period of several hours to measure the amount of radioactive material in the exhaled breath. The results allow the health care provider to calculate how fast the stomach is emptying.
CFIDS/Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome: A severe and debilitating condition resulting in fatigue, painful muscles and joints, disordered sleep, gastric disturbances, poor memory and concentration are commonplace.
CFS/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A severe and debilitating condition resulting in fatigue, painful muscles and joints, disordered sleep, gastric disturbances, poor memory and concentration are commonplace.
Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction: A term used to describe a diseases of the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, in which the muscles do not work normally in the intestines and stomach are involved.
Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia: A condition characterised by intermittent severe ischaemia or is a restriction in blood supply to tissues, causing a shortage of oxygen and glucose needed for cellular metabolism, resulting in abdominal colic
CVS/Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: is a rare idiopathic disorder characterized by recurring periods of vomiting in an otherwise normal child or adult often associated with the same nervous system that causes migraine, also known as abdominal migraine
Delayed gastric emptying: Gastroparesis, also called delayed gastric emptying, is a medical condition consisting of a paresis (partial paralysis) of the stomach
Diabetes: Diabetes mellitus is a condition that occurs when the body can't use glucose normally. Glucose is the main source of energy for the body's cells. The levels of glucose in the blood are controlled by a hormone called insulin, which is made by the pancreas. Insulin helps glucose enter the cells. In diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or the body can't respond normally to the insulin that is made (type 2 diabetes). This causes glucose levels in the blood to rise, leading to symptoms such as increased urination, extreme thirst, and unexplained weight loss.
Diabetic gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is a long-term complication of diabetes that involves the stomach and affects digestion. Prolonged high blood sugar levels can damage nerves in many parts of the body, including the vagus nerve, which controls contractions of the stomach during digestion. However it can also occur in well controlled diabetics.
Dumping Syndrome: Gastric dumping syndrome, or rapid gastric emptying is a condition where ingested foods bypass the stomach too rapidly and enter the small intestine largely undigested.
Ehlers Danlos Syndrome: is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders, caused by a defect in the synthesis of collagen
Esophageal manometry: A test in which a thin tube is passed into the esophagus to measure the degree of pressure exerted by the muscles of the esophageal wall.
Gastric dysmotility: A descriptive term used to describe diseases of the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines) in which the muscles do not work normally (hence the term dysmotility). Other terms that are sometimes used for dysmotility problems are gastroparesis when the stomach is involved, and chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction when the intestines and stomach are involved.
Gastric Electrical Neurostimulator (GES): A small device that is implanted under the skin, usually in the lower abdominal region. Two insulated wires called leads are implanted in the stomach wall muscle and then connected to the neurostimulator, which then sends mild electrical pulses through the leads to stimulate the smooth muscles of the lower stomach. Used to help control the chronic nausea and vomiting caused by gastroparesis
Gastric emptying scintigraphy (ges): The test involves eating a bland meal—such as eggs or an egg substitute—that contains a small amount of radioactive material. The test is performed in a radiology center or hospital by a specially trained technician and interpreted by a radiologist; anesthesia is not needed. An external camera scans the abdomen to show where the radioactive material is located. The radiologist is then able to measure the rate of gastric emptying at 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours after the meal. If more than 10 percent of the meal is still in the stomach at 4 hours, the diagnosis of gastroparesis is confirmed.
Gastric stasis: Impairment of the normal passage of intestinal contents, due to mechanical obstruction or to impaired intestinal motility.
Gastroparesis: A disease of the muscles of the stomach or the nerves controlling the muscles that causes the muscles to stop working. Resulting in inadequate grinding of food by the stomach and poor emptying of food from the stomach into the intestine.
GERD/Gastroesophageal reflux disease: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which the stomach contents (food or liquid) leak backwards from the stomach into the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach). This action can irritate the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms
Giardiasis: Is a disease caused by the flagellate protozoan Giardia lamblia which inhabits the digestive tract of a wide variety of domestic and wild animal species, as well as humans. It is a common cause of gastroenteritis in humans.
Healthboard: Scottish local authority organisation that considers applications for treatments and medical procedures.
Hickman line: A Hickman line is an central venous catheter used for the administration medications, as well as for the withdrawal of blood for analysis
Homeopathic: is a system of alternative natural medicine
Idiopathic gastroparesis: meaning the cause is unknown and cannot be found
ME/Myalgic Encephalopathy:A severe and debilitating condition resulting in fatigue, painful muscles and joints, disordered sleep, gastric disturbances, poor memory and concentration are commonplace.
MNGIE/Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalopathy disease: A condition that affects several parts of the body, particularly the digestive system and nervous system. Abnormalities of the digestive system are among the most common and severe features of MNGIE disease. Almost all affected people have a condition known as gastrointestinal dysmotility, in which the muscles and nerves of the digestive system do not move food through the digestive tract efficiently.
Motility: is a biological term which refers to the ability to move spontaneously
MS/Multiple Sclerosis: is a neurological condition with a wide range of symptoms
N.I.C.E – National institute for clinical excellence: UK government organisation that assesses and monitors effectiveness of medical procedures, and issues guidelines to local authorities.
Nasogastric tube (NGT): Nasogastric intubation is a medical process involving the insertion of a plastic tube through the nose, past the throat, and down into the stomach.
Nasojejunal tube (NJT): Jejunostomy refers to an artificial opening into the jejunum. It is performed to allow feeding tube placement. Jejunostomy is an alternative to gastrostomy when the stomach is unsuitable for a feeding tube
Patient Care Trust (PCT): English local authority organisation that considers applications for treatments and medical procedures
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes (PEG tube): Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is an endoscopic medical procedure in which a tube (PEG tube) is passed into a patient's stomach through the abdominal wall, most commonly to provide a means of feeding when oral intake is not adequate. PEG tubes may also be extended into the small intestine by passing a jejunal extension tube (PEG-J tube) through the PEG tube and into the jejunum .
Percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy tubes (JEJ or PEJ tubes): Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is an endoscopic medical procedure in which a tube (PEG tube) is passed into a patient's stomach through the abdominal wall, most commonly to provide a means of feeding when oral intake is not adequate. PEG tubes may also be extended into the small intestine by passing a jejunal extension tube (PEG-J tube) through the PEG tube and into the jejunum
PICC line: A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC or PIC line) is a form of intravenous access that can be used for a prolonged period of time
Prokinetics: is a type of drug which enhances gastrointestinal motility
PVFS/Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome: A severe and debilitating condition resulting in fatigue, painful muscles and joints, disordered sleep, gastric disturbances, poor memory and concentration are commonplace.
Pyloric sphincter: is a strong ring of smooth muscle at the end of the pyloric canal which lets food pass from the stomach to the duodenum
Scleroderma: the systemic form of scleroderma is a connective tissue disease that affects the skin and other major internal organs. Excess collagen is laid down in these organs which in turn results in scarring and reduced normal function of the affected organs.
SmartPill: The SmartPill is a small electronic device in capsule form. The SmartPill test is available at specialized outpatient centers. The images are interpreted by a radiologist. The device is swallowed and moves through the entire digestive tract, sending information to a cell-phone-sized receiver worn around the person’s waist or neck. The recorded information provides a detailed record of how quickly food travels through each part of the digestive tract.
SOD Syndrome/Sphicter of Oddi Dysfunction: Refers to structural or functional disorders involving the biliary sphincter that may result in impedance of bile and pancreatic juice flow
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN): also now called parenteral nutrition (PN) or home parenteral nutrition (HPN): is a way of supplying all the nutritional needs of the body by bypassing the digestive system and dripping nutrient solution directly into a vein.
Transpyloric stent: A small metal stent placed in the pylorus to aid motility
Ultrasound scan: Ultrasound scans are images of the internal organs created from sound waves. The hand held scanner is moved back and forth over the relevant part of the body and it sends sound waves through the skin and muscles. The waves are then turned into an image that appears on a TV screen. The procedure is painless.
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy: This procedure involves using an endoscope—a small, flexible tube with a light—to see the upper GI tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum—the first part of the small intestine. The test is performed at a hospital or outpatient center by a gastroenterologist—a doctor who specializes in digestive diseases. The endoscope is carefully fed down the esophagus and into the stomach and duodenum. A small camera mounted on the endoscope transmits a video image to a monitor, allowing close examination of the intestinal lining.
Antacids: Is a substance which neutralizes stomach acidity
Antiemetics: Is a drug that is used to treat vomiting and nausea
Autonomic Neuropathy: Is a group of symptoms that occur when there is damage to the nerves that manage every day body functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, bowel and bladder emptying, and digestion
Barium x-ray: An x-ray test of the upper part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (including the esophagus, stomach, and a small portion of the small intestine) after the patient is given a white, chalky barium sulfate solution to drink. This substance coats the upper GI and the x rays reveal any abnormality in the lining of the stomach and the upper GI.
Botox: Botulinum toxin is a protein and neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botox injections are used for various cosmetic and medical procedures
Breath test: With this test, the person eats a meal containing a small amount of radioactive material; then breath samples are taken over a period of several hours to measure the amount of radioactive material in the exhaled breath. The results allow the health care provider to calculate how fast the stomach is emptying.
CFIDS/Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome: A severe and debilitating condition resulting in fatigue, painful muscles and joints, disordered sleep, gastric disturbances, poor memory and concentration are commonplace.
CFS/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A severe and debilitating condition resulting in fatigue, painful muscles and joints, disordered sleep, gastric disturbances, poor memory and concentration are commonplace.
Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction: A term used to describe a diseases of the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, in which the muscles do not work normally in the intestines and stomach are involved.
Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia: A condition characterised by intermittent severe ischaemia or is a restriction in blood supply to tissues, causing a shortage of oxygen and glucose needed for cellular metabolism, resulting in abdominal colic
CVS/Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: is a rare idiopathic disorder characterized by recurring periods of vomiting in an otherwise normal child or adult often associated with the same nervous system that causes migraine, also known as abdominal migraine
Delayed gastric emptying: Gastroparesis, also called delayed gastric emptying, is a medical condition consisting of a paresis (partial paralysis) of the stomach
Diabetes: Diabetes mellitus is a condition that occurs when the body can't use glucose normally. Glucose is the main source of energy for the body's cells. The levels of glucose in the blood are controlled by a hormone called insulin, which is made by the pancreas. Insulin helps glucose enter the cells. In diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or the body can't respond normally to the insulin that is made (type 2 diabetes). This causes glucose levels in the blood to rise, leading to symptoms such as increased urination, extreme thirst, and unexplained weight loss.
Diabetic gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is a long-term complication of diabetes that involves the stomach and affects digestion. Prolonged high blood sugar levels can damage nerves in many parts of the body, including the vagus nerve, which controls contractions of the stomach during digestion. However it can also occur in well controlled diabetics.
Dumping Syndrome: Gastric dumping syndrome, or rapid gastric emptying is a condition where ingested foods bypass the stomach too rapidly and enter the small intestine largely undigested.
Ehlers Danlos Syndrome: is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders, caused by a defect in the synthesis of collagen
Esophageal manometry: A test in which a thin tube is passed into the esophagus to measure the degree of pressure exerted by the muscles of the esophageal wall.
Gastric dysmotility: A descriptive term used to describe diseases of the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines) in which the muscles do not work normally (hence the term dysmotility). Other terms that are sometimes used for dysmotility problems are gastroparesis when the stomach is involved, and chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction when the intestines and stomach are involved.
Gastric Electrical Neurostimulator (GES): A small device that is implanted under the skin, usually in the lower abdominal region. Two insulated wires called leads are implanted in the stomach wall muscle and then connected to the neurostimulator, which then sends mild electrical pulses through the leads to stimulate the smooth muscles of the lower stomach. Used to help control the chronic nausea and vomiting caused by gastroparesis
Gastric emptying scintigraphy (ges): The test involves eating a bland meal—such as eggs or an egg substitute—that contains a small amount of radioactive material. The test is performed in a radiology center or hospital by a specially trained technician and interpreted by a radiologist; anesthesia is not needed. An external camera scans the abdomen to show where the radioactive material is located. The radiologist is then able to measure the rate of gastric emptying at 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours after the meal. If more than 10 percent of the meal is still in the stomach at 4 hours, the diagnosis of gastroparesis is confirmed.
Gastric stasis: Impairment of the normal passage of intestinal contents, due to mechanical obstruction or to impaired intestinal motility.
Gastroparesis: A disease of the muscles of the stomach or the nerves controlling the muscles that causes the muscles to stop working. Resulting in inadequate grinding of food by the stomach and poor emptying of food from the stomach into the intestine.
GERD/Gastroesophageal reflux disease: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which the stomach contents (food or liquid) leak backwards from the stomach into the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach). This action can irritate the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms
Giardiasis: Is a disease caused by the flagellate protozoan Giardia lamblia which inhabits the digestive tract of a wide variety of domestic and wild animal species, as well as humans. It is a common cause of gastroenteritis in humans.
Healthboard: Scottish local authority organisation that considers applications for treatments and medical procedures.
Hickman line: A Hickman line is an central venous catheter used for the administration medications, as well as for the withdrawal of blood for analysis
Homeopathic: is a system of alternative natural medicine
Idiopathic gastroparesis: meaning the cause is unknown and cannot be found
ME/Myalgic Encephalopathy:A severe and debilitating condition resulting in fatigue, painful muscles and joints, disordered sleep, gastric disturbances, poor memory and concentration are commonplace.
MNGIE/Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalopathy disease: A condition that affects several parts of the body, particularly the digestive system and nervous system. Abnormalities of the digestive system are among the most common and severe features of MNGIE disease. Almost all affected people have a condition known as gastrointestinal dysmotility, in which the muscles and nerves of the digestive system do not move food through the digestive tract efficiently.
Motility: is a biological term which refers to the ability to move spontaneously
MS/Multiple Sclerosis: is a neurological condition with a wide range of symptoms
N.I.C.E – National institute for clinical excellence: UK government organisation that assesses and monitors effectiveness of medical procedures, and issues guidelines to local authorities.
Nasogastric tube (NGT): Nasogastric intubation is a medical process involving the insertion of a plastic tube through the nose, past the throat, and down into the stomach.
Nasojejunal tube (NJT): Jejunostomy refers to an artificial opening into the jejunum. It is performed to allow feeding tube placement. Jejunostomy is an alternative to gastrostomy when the stomach is unsuitable for a feeding tube
Patient Care Trust (PCT): English local authority organisation that considers applications for treatments and medical procedures
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes (PEG tube): Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is an endoscopic medical procedure in which a tube (PEG tube) is passed into a patient's stomach through the abdominal wall, most commonly to provide a means of feeding when oral intake is not adequate. PEG tubes may also be extended into the small intestine by passing a jejunal extension tube (PEG-J tube) through the PEG tube and into the jejunum .
Percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy tubes (JEJ or PEJ tubes): Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is an endoscopic medical procedure in which a tube (PEG tube) is passed into a patient's stomach through the abdominal wall, most commonly to provide a means of feeding when oral intake is not adequate. PEG tubes may also be extended into the small intestine by passing a jejunal extension tube (PEG-J tube) through the PEG tube and into the jejunum
PICC line: A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC or PIC line) is a form of intravenous access that can be used for a prolonged period of time
Prokinetics: is a type of drug which enhances gastrointestinal motility
PVFS/Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome: A severe and debilitating condition resulting in fatigue, painful muscles and joints, disordered sleep, gastric disturbances, poor memory and concentration are commonplace.
Pyloric sphincter: is a strong ring of smooth muscle at the end of the pyloric canal which lets food pass from the stomach to the duodenum
Scleroderma: the systemic form of scleroderma is a connective tissue disease that affects the skin and other major internal organs. Excess collagen is laid down in these organs which in turn results in scarring and reduced normal function of the affected organs.
SmartPill: The SmartPill is a small electronic device in capsule form. The SmartPill test is available at specialized outpatient centers. The images are interpreted by a radiologist. The device is swallowed and moves through the entire digestive tract, sending information to a cell-phone-sized receiver worn around the person’s waist or neck. The recorded information provides a detailed record of how quickly food travels through each part of the digestive tract.
SOD Syndrome/Sphicter of Oddi Dysfunction: Refers to structural or functional disorders involving the biliary sphincter that may result in impedance of bile and pancreatic juice flow
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN): also now called parenteral nutrition (PN) or home parenteral nutrition (HPN): is a way of supplying all the nutritional needs of the body by bypassing the digestive system and dripping nutrient solution directly into a vein.
Transpyloric stent: A small metal stent placed in the pylorus to aid motility
Ultrasound scan: Ultrasound scans are images of the internal organs created from sound waves. The hand held scanner is moved back and forth over the relevant part of the body and it sends sound waves through the skin and muscles. The waves are then turned into an image that appears on a TV screen. The procedure is painless.
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy: This procedure involves using an endoscope—a small, flexible tube with a light—to see the upper GI tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum—the first part of the small intestine. The test is performed at a hospital or outpatient center by a gastroenterologist—a doctor who specializes in digestive diseases. The endoscope is carefully fed down the esophagus and into the stomach and duodenum. A small camera mounted on the endoscope transmits a video image to a monitor, allowing close examination of the intestinal lining.