The large, muscular tube that extends from the mouth to the anus, where the movement of muscles, along with the release of hormones and enzymes, allows for the digestion of food. Also called the alimentary…
A buildup of galactose in the blood caused by the lack of one of the enzymes needed to break down galactose.
A condition in which many polyps form throughout the digestive tract. Because these polyps are likely to become cancerous, the colon and rectum are often removed to prevent colorectal cancer.
Air that results from the normal breakdown of food. The gases are passed out of the body through the rectum (flatus) or the mouth (burping).
The over secretion of gastric acid and the hallmark symptom of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
An operation to remove all or part of the stomach.
An open sore in the lining of the stomach. Also called stomach ulcer.
T he presence of fecal occult blood in children is caused by minimal bleeding of less than a tablespoon a day in the gastrointestinal tract which leads to iron deficiency.
Bleeding is abnormal and needs to be corrected by locating the source.
Q: What does occult blood mean?
A: Occult means the small amount of blood in the stool cannot be seen by the eye when inspecting it. Therefore, suspect bleeding is found through a simple test performed on stool because stool would carry the blood away from the site of bleeding.
A fecal occult blood test is inexpensive and can be done at home or in the doctor’s office. Most types involve smearing a stool sample onto a test card that either contains a chemical that turn blue if blood is present or else requires applying the chemical to the sample.
Liquids produced in the stomach to help break down food and kill bacteria.
An operation to remove part or all of the stomach.