Globetrotter's Pocket Doc - the only English international medical communication book for travelers to foreign countries

Galactose:

The type of sugar found in sugar beats. This type of sugar is harder for the small intestine to breakdown.

Galactosemia:

A buildup of galactose in the blood. This is caused by lack of the enzymes needed to break down galactose into glucose.

Gallbladder:

The organ which stores bile. Bile is made in the liver. The gallbladder is connected to the liver by the bile ducts. Upon eating, the body secretes cholecystokinin. This hormone stimulates the gallbladder to contract and eject the bile into the bile ducts. Bile enters the small intestine where it is used for absorption of fat.

Gallstones:

A solid stone(s) or mass which is made up of cholesterol or bilirubin. It is usually located in the bile ducts or gallbladder.

Gardner's Syndrome:

A condition in which many polyps form throughout the digestive tract. Many of these polyps will cause cancer. In many patients, the colon and rectum are removed in order prevent the development of colorectal cancer.

Gas:

Air that comes in the breakdown of food.

Gastrectomy:

A surgical operation in which all or part of the stomach removed.

Gastric:

A term referring to the stomach.

Gastric resection:

A surgical operation to remove all or part of stomach.

Gastric ulcer:

Another term for stomach ulcers. These ulcers are within the stomach. They may be associated with H. Pylori infection or the use of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Gastrin:

A hormone that is released after eating. Gastrin causes stomach to produce more acid.

Gastritis:

An inflammation of the stomach lining.

Gastric colic reflex:

An increase in the muscle contractions within the date GI tract when food enters the empty stomach. This reflex causes many patients to have a bowel movement after eating.

Gastroenteritis:

An infection or irritation as stomach in the intestines. It may because by parasites, radiation, bacteria or viruses. Symptoms associated with gastroenteritis are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping.

Gastroenterologist:

The physician who specializes in diseases of the digestive tract.

Gastroenterology:

The field of medicine conservative function in disorders of the GI tract.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):

Reflux of acid and stomach contents into the esophagus. Many patients have small amount of GE RD. However, when the amount of GERD is increased, inflammation and damage to the esophagus occur. GERD is commonly treated with Proton Pump Inhibitors and evaluated with endoscopy.

Gastroparesis:

A term describing slow emptying of the stomach. This induces nausea vomiting and pain. The disease is common in patients with diabetes. Medications may also cause gastroparesis. The disease may be associated with either a small pyloric channel (pyloric channel stenosis) or poor contractions of the muscles lining the stomach.

Gastrostomy:

An artificial opening from the stomach to the abdomen. A feeding tube is usually inserted through this to assist in feeding.

Giardiasis:

A parasitic infection with Giardia lamblia. This is commonly seen in patients who have traveled to Moscow and the Rocky Mountain. It usually presents with right upper quadrant pain, diarrhea and weight loss. It is usually treated with flagyl (metronidazole). It may be recurrent.

Gilbert's Syndrome:

A benign liver disorder in which build up of bilirubin in the blood occurs because of a partial deficiency in the enzymes used to metabolize bilirubin.

Globus:

A term describing the feeling of a lump in the throat. It is usually related to stress but is also been associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Also called Globus Hystericus.

Glucose:

A simple sugar which is absorbed and produced by the body. Glucose is the body's main source of energy. It is a carbohydrate.

Gluten:

A protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats. Patients with an allergy to gluten often experience diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating and gas. Malabsorption may also occur in these individuals. The disease is also called gluten enteropathy or celiac sprue.

Gluten intolerance:

See celiac disease in gluten enteropathy.

Gluten sensitivity:

See celiac disease.

Glycogen:

A form of sugar stored in the liver muscles. It is released when glucose levels in the blood fall.

Granuloma:

A complex mass of tissue which has a variety of causes. Granulomatous disease is generally thought to be nonspecific in nature. It has a wide differential diagnosis. It is commonly seen in biopsies of patients with Crohn's disease. Granulomas are also seen in the liver. In this condition it is called granulomatous hepatitis.

Granulomatous Colitis:

Another name for Crohn's disease or regional ileitis.

Granulomatous Enteritis:

Another name for Crohn's disease of the small intestine.

Copyright © Colorado Center for Digestive Disorders All rights reserved.
The information provided in this website is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to be a substitute for physician care, instructions or information from physicians for any individual.