Following are common terms that you may hear when you or your child visit the doctor for a digestive problem.
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Abdominalultrasound: An imaging test that uses sound waves to form pictures of abdominal organs.
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Bariumcontrast: A chalky substance that makes body parts show more clearly on x-rays.
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Biopsy: A procedure during which the doctor takes a small tissue sample from the body to help with diagnosis.
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CT (computed tomography): A test that combines x-rays and computer processing technology to form detailed images of the body.
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Colonoscopy: A test that allows the doctor to see inside the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This includes the colon and rectum.
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Colonoscope: A long, flexible tube with a camera and a light at the end. It’s inserted into the colon so the doctor can view inside.
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Constipation: A condition that occurs when stools are hard and dry, which often leads to straining or difficulty passing stool.
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Diarrhea: Loose bowel movements that are more frequent and watery than usual.
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Endoscopy: A test that allows the doctor to see inside the upper GI tract. This includes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine).
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Endoscope: A long, flexible tube with a camera and a light at the end. It’s inserted through the mouth and into the upper GI tract so the doctor can view inside.
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Enema: A liquid that’s inserted through a person’s rectum to clean out the colon.
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Enteralnutrition: Tube feeding. If a person is having trouble swallowing foods or liquids safely, a feeding tube may be needed. This is a special tube that puts liquid food or medication straight into the digestive tract.
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GI (gastrointestinal): Relating to the digestive tract.
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Laxative: A food or medication that loosens the stool to clean out the colon.
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MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A test that uses strong magnets and radio waves to form sharp images of the body.
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NG (nasogastric) tube: A soft, flexible tube that’s inserted through the nose, down the esophagus, and into the stomach, usually for feeding purposes.
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Stoma: A small opening that’s made in the abdomen and connected to the intestine to allow a new way for waste to leave the body.
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Suppository: A medication that’s inserted through the anus and dissolves in the rectum. It can be used to loosen the stool to clean out the colon.
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Total parenteral nutrition (TPN): A type of feeding during which nutrients are delivered through an intravenous (IV) line called a catheter (a small, flexible tube). The catheter is inserted into a vein. This allows nutrients to be given directly into the bloodstream.
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Ulcer: A sore in the lining of the digestive tract.
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Ultrasound: An imaging test that uses sound waves to form pictures of internal organs.
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X-ray: A form of electromagnetic radiation. X-rays can’t be seen, but they can be used to create images of bones and internal organs. These images are called x-rays or radiographs.