DICTIONARY

A disease that occurs when the body absorbs too much iron or receives many blood transfusions. The body stores the excess iron in the liver, pancreas, and other organs and can cause cirrhosis. Also called iron overload disease.

A spiral-shaped bacterium found in the stomach. H. pylori damages the stomach and tissue in the first part of the small intestine, causing ulcers.

A painful, burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. Changing the diet and other lifestyle habits can help prevent heartburn. Heartburn may be a symptom of GERD. See gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The set of SNP (single nucliotide polymorphism) alleles along a region of a chromosome. Theoretically there could be many haplotypes in a chromosome region, but recent studies are typically finding only a few common haplotypes. Some SNP alleles are the ...

Medicines that reduce the amount of acid the stomach. Histamine2 (H2) signals the stomach to make acid.

See intestines.

A type of immune reaction seen in some diseases in which the body encapsulates the offending substance.

A group of birth defects that changes the way the liver breaks down glycogen.

The stored form of sugar in the liver and muscles that releases glucose into the blood when cells need it for energy. Glycogen is the chief source of stored fuel in the body.

A general term that refers to celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis.

See celiac disease.

A protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and to a lesser degree, oats. In people with celiac disease, gluten damages the lining of the small intestine or causes sores on the skin. See celiac disease.

An amino acid needed for maintaining health of the intestinal lining.

A simple sugar the body manufactures from carbohydrates in the diet. Glucose is the body

A constant feeling of a lump in the throat that is usually related to stress.