Laughing gas Health Dictionary

Inflammation of the mucous coat of the stomach and intestine due to bacterial infection... gastroenteritis

Inflammation of the stomach lining, with either congested and boggy or inflamed membranes. It may be caused by bacteria and yeast or chemical irritation like alcohol, but most frequently it is the result of emotional stress and inappropriate patterns of eating.... gastritis

A usually chronic condition, started by irritation, with congestion in time, leading to edema, blistering, and the formation of an ulcer. Hylobacter infections seem to prolong and aggravate the condition, but the presence alone of the bacteria, without functional impairment, will not begin the disease. Possessing a certain “workaholic” panache...even boasted of in some business circles as if to validate one’s work ethic, it nonetheless is fatal if untreated.... gastric ulcer

A major operation to remove the whole or part of the STOMACH. Total gastrectomy is a rare operation, usually performed when a person has cancer of the stomach; the OESPHAGUS is then connected to the DUODENUM. Sometimes cancer of the stomach can be treated by doing a partial gastrectomy: the use of partial gastrectomy to treat PEPTIC ULCER used to be common before the advent of e?ective drug therapy.

The operation is sometimes still done if the patient has failed to respond to dietary treatment and treatment with H2-blocking drugs (see CIMETIDINE; RANITIDINE) along with antibiotics to combat Helicobacter pylori, an important contributary factor to ulcer development. Partial gastrectomy is usually accompanied by VAGOTOMY, which involves cutting the VAGUS nerve controlling acid secretion in the stomach. Among the side-effects of gastrectomy are fullness and discomfort after meals; formation of ulcers at the new junction between the stomach and duodenum which may lead to GASTRITIS and oesophagitis (see OESOPHAGUS, DISEASES OF); dumping syndrome (nausea, sweating and dizziness because the food leaves the stomach too quickly after eating); vomiting and diarrhoea. The side-effects usually subside but may need dietary and drug treatment.... gastrectomy

Pertaining to the stomach.... gastric

A hormone produced by the MUCOUS MEMBRANE in the pyloric part of the STOMACH. The arrival of food stimulates production of the hormone which in turn stimulates the production of gastric juice.... gastrin

An operation performed usually in order to relieve some obstruction to the outlet from the STOMACH. One opening is made in the lower part of the stomach; another in a neighbouring loop of the small intestine. The two are then stitched together.... gastroenterostomy

An operation on the STOMACH by which, when the gullet is blocked by a tumour or other cause, an opening is made from the front of the abdomen into the stomach, so that ?uid food can be passed into the organ.... gastrostomy

Speci?cally, this describes the measurement of the tensions of oxygen and carbon dioxide in blood. However, it is commonly used to describe the analysis of a sample of heparinised arterial blood for measurement of oxygen, carbon dioxide, oxygen saturation, pH, bicarbonate, and base excess (the amount of acid required to return a unit volume of the blood to normal pH). These values are vital in monitoring the severity of illness in patients receiving intensive care or who have severe respiratory illness, as they provide a guide to the e?ectiveness of oxygen transport between the outside air and the body tissues. Thus they are both a guide to whether the patient is being optimally ventilated, and also a general guide to the severity of their illness.... blood gases

Pain in the stomach... gastralgia

The large double muscle which forms the chief bulk of the calf, and ends below in the tendo calcaneus.... gastrocnemius

A surgical operation to join the DUODENUM to a hole made in the STOMACH wall to circumvent an obstruction in the gut – for example, PYLORIC STENOSIS – or to improve the passage of food from the stomach into the duodenum.... gastroduodenostomy

The passage along which the food passes, in which it is digested (see DIGESTION), and from which it is absorbed by lymphatics and blood vessels into the circulation. The tract consists of the mouth, pharynx or throat, oesophagus or gullet, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, in this order. For details, see articles under these headings. The total length in humans is about 9 metres.... gastrointestinal tract

An endoscopic instrument (see ENDOSCOPE) for viewing the interior of the STOMACH. Introduced into the stomach via the mouth and OESOPHAGUS, the long ?exible instrument (also called an oesophagogastroduodenoscope) transmits an image through a ?breoptic bundle or by a small video camera. The operator can see and photograph all areas of the stomach and also take biopsy specimens when required. (See also FIBREOPTIC ENDOSCOPY.)... gastroscope

See: REFLUX. ... gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

The study of the digestive system and the diseases and disorders affecting it.... gastroenterology

(Russian) One who is well-behaved Gashah, Gashia, Gashea, Gashiah, Gasheah... gasha

(Spanish) One who is treasured Gasparah, Gasparra, Gasparrah... gaspara

Hair-like appendages in the stomach of most cubozoan jellyfish. They contain nematocysts and aid in digestion.... gastric cirri

A method of gastric decontamination used in the treatment of poisoning. It is not used routinely. Lavage involves the passage of a lubricated tube via the mouth and OESOPHAGUS into the stomach. Patients are positioned on their side with the head lower than the feet. A small quantity of ?uid (300 ml) is passed into the stomach and the contents then drained out (by gravity) by lowering the end of the tube. This is repeated until the solution is clear of particulate matter. The procedure should be done only by an experienced health professional.... gastric lavage

Pain in the stomach... gastrodynia

The involuntary regurgitation of stomach contents or surface acids into the throat, with heartburn; it can be simple or serious.... gastroesophageal reflux

Ulceration of the stomach... gastrohelcosis

Enlargement of the stomach... gastromegaly

A disorder in which the contents of the STOMACH back up into the OESOPHAGUS because the usual neuromuscular mechanisms for preventing this are intermittently or permanently failing to work properly. If persistent, the failure may cause oesophagitis (see OESOPHAGUS, DISEASES OF). If a person develops HEARTBURN, regurgitation, discomfort and oesophagitis, the condition is called gastro-oesophageal re?ux disease (GORD) and sometimes symptoms are so serious as to warrant surgery. Gastrooesophageal re?ux is sometimes associated with HIATUS HERNIA.

Gastro-oesophageal disease should be diagnosed in those patients who are at risk of physical complications from the re?ux. Diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms present or by monitoring the production of acid using a pH probe inserted into the oesophagus through the mouth, since lesions are not usually visible on ENDOSCOPY. Severe heartburn, caused by the lining of the oesophagus being damaged by acid and PEPSIN from the stomach, is commonly confused with DYSPEPSIA. Treatment should start with graded doses of one of the PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS; if this is not e?ective after several months, surgery to remedy the re?ux may be required, but the effects are not easily predictable.... gastro-oesophageal reflux

Gastrodia Tea has been known in traditional Chinese medicine for being a beneficial herbal tea. The root of gastrodia herb is popular for its analgesic, sedative, antispasmodic and carminative properties while the stem is known for its tonic and aphrodisiac properties. Gastrodia (gastrodia elata) grows in parts of Asia, Japan, China, North Korea and Siberian region. Gastrodia plant can be recognized by its orange leafless stem that can grow about 2 meters in height. The constituents of gastrodia roots include 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde and gastrodine. How To Make Gastrodia Tea If you want to make gastrodia tea out of dried roots, start by boiling 1-1.5 grams of roots for about 20-25 minutes. Then let the tea cool off for about 7 minutes, strain and drink. If you are using the powdered form of gastrodia, just place a handful of powder in a cup of boiled water. Let it steep for about 5 minutes. Gastrodia Tea can be taken twice a day. Gastrodia Tea Benefits

• Combats pains caused by headaches and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Helps fight dizziness and vertigo.
• Helpful against epilepsy and tetanus.
• Works as a sedative being used in treating insomnia.
• Reduces general fatigue.

Gastrodia Tea Side Effects

• Can cause skin allergies.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid drinking gastrodia tea.
• Gastrodia Tea may interact with the effects of some medications.

All in all, Gastrodia Tea is a healthy tea that can really improve your health! Just read the side effects listed below, in order not to experience them!... gastrodia tea

Any disease of the stomach... gastropathy

The digestive system of the cnidarian, consisting of the stomach and its connecting canals which perform a similar task to vascular system of higher orders.... gastrovascular cavity

See: REFLUX. GASTRIC ULCER. See: PEPTIC ULCER. ... gastric reflux

A group of hormones released from specialized cells in the stomach, pancreas, and intestine that control various functions of the digestive organs. Gastrin, secretin, and cholecystokinin are the best known of these hormones.... gastrointestinal hormones

Washing out the stomach with water, usually to remove toxins.... lavage, gastric

n. a genus of widely distributed non-bloodsucking beelike flies. The parasitic maggots normally live in the alimentary canal of horses but, rarely, can also infect humans and cause an inflamed itching eruption of the skin (see creeping eruption).... gasterophilus

(gastro-) combining form denoting the stomach. Examples: gastrocolic (relating to the stomach and colon); gastrointestinal (relating to the stomach and intestines).... gastr

n. pathological dilatation of the stomach. This may be caused by gastric outlet obstruction or it may occur as a complication of previous abdominal surgery, trauma, or overeating.... gastrectasia

a form of *bariatric surgery in which a band is placed around the stomach to effectively reduce its size and therefore restrict the amount of food it can accommodate. Weight loss should result. The procedure can be performed either in open operation or laparoscopically. The bands can be of a fixed size or adjustable (to vary calorie intake) by means of a small reservoir situated under the skin into which fluid can be injected or removed by the patient.... gastric banding

A break in the surface layer of the membrane lining the stomach. A break deeper than this layer is called a gastric ulcer (see peptic ulcer).Gastric erosions occur in some cases of gastritis.

Many erosions result from ingestion of alcohol, iron tablets, or aspirin.

The physical stress of serious illness, such as kidney failure, or of burns may bring on an erosion.

Often there are no symptoms, but erosions may bleed, causing vomiting of blood or blood in the faeces.

Persistent loss of blood may lead to anaemia.

Gastric erosions are diagnosed by gastroscopy.

They usually heal in a few days when they are treated with antacid drugs and ulcer-healing drugs.... gastric erosion

Examination of the stomach using a type of endoscope inserted through the mouth. Although the term specifies examination of the stomach, the oesophagus and duodenum are alsoinspected during the procedure, which is more correctly known as (see oesophagogastroduodenoscopy). Gastroscopy, in which the patient is usually sedated, is used to investigate symptoms such as bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract and disorders of the oesophagus, stomach, or duodenum.

Attachments to the instrument enable a biopsy to be taken and treatments such as laser treatment to be carried out.

A gastroscope may also be used to ease the passage of a gastric feeding tube through the skin (see gastrostomy).... gastroscopy

any of several procedures of *bariatric surgery that allow food to bypass parts of the gut in order to reduce absorption of nutrients and calories. Such operations often lead to greater weight loss than restrictive procedures, such as *gastric banding and *stomach stapling, but there are significant long-term complications relating to chronic malabsorption and patients must remain under long-term specialist follow-up.... gastric bypass surgery

tubular glands that lie in the mucous membrane of the stomach wall. There are three varieties: the cardiac, parietal (oxyntic), and pyloric glands, and they secrete *gastric juice.... gastric glands

the liquid secreted by the *gastric glands of the stomach. Its main digestive constituents are hydrochloric acid, mucin, *rennin, and pepsinogen. The acid acts on pepsinogen to produce *pepsin, which functions best in an acid medium. The acidity of the stomach contents also kills unwanted bacteria and other organisms that have been ingested with the food. Gastric juice also contains *intrinsic factor, which is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12.... gastric juice

see stomach stapling.... gastric stapling

n. a rare tumour that secretes the hormone gastrin, which stimulates excessive gastric acid production. Such tumours most frequently occur in the pancreas; about half of them are malignant. Patients present with intractable gastroduodenal ulceration, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea (the *Zollinger–Ellison syndrome). Gastrinomas may be a feature of *MENS type 1.... gastrinoma

combining form. See gastr-.... gastro

a wave of peristalsis produced in the colon by introducing food into a fasting stomach.... gastrocolic reflex

n. see gastroscope.... gastroduodenoscope

n. see oesophagogastroduodenoscopy.... gastroduodenoscopy

n. trade name for meglumine diatrizoate, a water-soluble *contrast medium used in diagnostic radiology, usually in the gastrointestinal tract. It is used in some conditions as a laxative.... gastrografin

the relaxation of the *ileocaecal valve caused by the presence of food in the stomach.... gastroileac reflex

(GIST) a rare type of sarcoma arising from the gastrointestinal tract (usually the stomach), characterized by the presence of the receptor c-kit/CD117 on the surface of the tumour cells, which stimulates division of these cells. It displays a wide range of malignant behaviour. Specific treatment is available with *tyrosine kinase inhibitors.... gastrointestinal stromal tumour

n. a surgical operation in which the *jejunum is joined to an opening made in the stomach. This is usually done in preference to *gastroduodenostomy. See also jejunostomy.... gastrojejunostomy

n. a stone in the stomach, which usually builds up around a *bezoar.... gastrolith

the process in which the stomach contents transiently reflux into the oesophagus. Reflux is a normal process but pathological reflux (see gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) gives rise to symptoms and complications.... gastro-oesophageal reflux

n. a surgical operation in which the oesophagus (gullet) is joined to the stomach, bypassing the natural junction when this is obstructed by *achalasia, *stricture (narrowing), or cancer. This operation is rarely performed.... gastro-oesophagostomy

n. a condition in which the stomach fails to empty at an appropriate rate into the small intestine. Symptoms of bloating, nausea, early satiety, and vomiting are often intermittent in the early stages but can worsen to be a constant feature. It is most commonly seen in long-standing diabetes after the development of neuropathy affecting the parasympathetic nerves to the stomach.... gastroparesis

n. surgical attachment of the stomach to the abdominal wall.... gastropexy

n. surgical alteration of the shape of the stomach without removal of any part. The term was originally used for correction of an acquired deformity, e.g. narrowing due to a peptic ulcer, but has more recently been applied to techniques for reducing the size of the stomach in the treatment of morbid obesity, e.g. vertical banded gastroplasty (see stomach stapling) and *gastric banding.... gastroplasty

n. a congenital defect in the abdominal wall, which during fetal development fails to close to the right of a normal umbilical cord. Bowel herniates through the defect and has no covering; free loops of bowel can be seen floating in the amniotic cavity on ultrasound. Treatment is surgical. Compare exomphalos.... gastroschisis

n. a procedure during abdominal surgery in which the stomach is opened, usually to allow inspection of the interior (e.g. to find a point of bleeding), to remove a foreign body, or to allow the oesophagus to be approached from below (e.g. to pull down a tube through a constricting growth).... gastrotomy

n. an early stage in the development of many animal embryos. It consists of a double-layered ball of cells formed by invagination and movement of cells in the preceding single-layered stage (blastula) in the process of gastrulation. It contains a central cavity, the *archenteron, which opens through the blastopore to the outside. True gastrulation only occurs in the embryos of amphibians and certain fish, but a similar process occurs in the embryonic disc in other vertebrates, including humans.... gastrula

see gastroplasty; stomach stapling.... vertical banded gastroplasty