Terms

Question 1

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Answer 1

Severe “heartburn” in laymen’s language. Weakness of the valve between the esophagus and stomach may allow stomach acid to reflux (regurgitate, backup) into the esophagus and irritate and inflame the lining.

Question 2

Jaundice

Answer 2

Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes from a backup of bile metabolic by-products from the blood into body tissues.

Question 3

Diverticulosis/diverticulitis

Answer 3

Small pouches may form along the walls of the large intestine called diverticuli which if symptomatic, causing discomfort to the patient, is called diverticulosis. These abnormal outpocketings may collect and not be able to empty fecal material which can lead to inflammation, diverticulitis.

Question 4

Cirrhosis

Answer 4

Degenerative disease of the liver, often developing in chronic alcoholics, or others

Question 5

Portal hypertension

Answer 5

A potential complication of chronic alcoholism resulting in liver damage and obstruction of venous blood flow through the liver

Question 6

Esophageal varices

Answer 6

bulging, engorged veins in the walls of the esophagus are often a complication of chronic alcoholism

Question 7

Dysphagia

Answer 7

Difficulty swallowing

Question 8

Crohn’s Disease

Answer 8

a chronic inflammatory disease primarily of the bowel

Question 9

Peritonitis

Answer 9

Inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity