peptic ulcer
a sharply circumscribed loss of the mucous membrane of the stomach, duodenum, or any other part of the gastrointestinal system exposed to gastric juices containing acid and pepsin
hernia
protrusion of a loop or a knuckle of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening in the muscle wall of the surrounding cavity
gastroesophageal reflux disease
backflow of the contents of the gastrointestinal tract into the esophagus, often leading to burning pain in the esophagus and, with repeated episodes, esophagitis or esophageal ulceration
esophageal varices
varicose veins that appear at the lower end of the esophagus as a result of portal hypertension
achalasia
an impairment of esophageal peristalsis and the lower esophageal sphincter's ability to relax
periodontal disease
pathologic condition of the tissues surrounding the teeth
oral leukoplakia
thick white patches on the oral mucosa produced by hyperkeratosis of the epithelium
herpetic stomatitis
inflammation of the mouth caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV)
dental caries
a plaque disease caused by the interaction of starches, sugars, and other foods with the bacteria that form dental plaque, or any lesion caused by demineralization of a tooth
aphthous stomatitis
a recurring condition characterized by small erosions (ulcers), which appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth
nausea
an unpleasant sensation vaguely associated with the abdomen and the epigastrium, that often leads to vomiting
melena
black, tarry stools
jaundice
a syndrome characterized by a greater-than-normal level of bilirubin in the blood and the deposition of bile pigment in the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera, resulting in a yellow discoloration
hematochezia
passage of bloody stools
flatus
air or gas in the intestinal tract, or air or gas expelled through the rectum
eructation
the release of air from the stomach through the mouth
dysphagia
difficulty in swallowing
diarrhea
an abnormal liquidity and frequency of fecal discharges
constipation
infrequent, incomplete, or delayed bowel movements
anorexia
lack of appetite
volvulus
chronic or acute inflammation of the pancreas as a result of autodigestion of pancreatic tissue by its own enzymes
inflammatory bowel disease
ulceration of the lining of the intestine, characterized by bleeding and diarrhea
viral hepatitis
inflammation of the liver caused by a viral infection
cirrhosis
chronic degenerative liver disease characterized by fibrous tissue growth on the lobes, degeneration of the parenchyma, and infiltration of the lobules by fat
cholelithiasis
the presence or development of gallstones
volvulus
an obstruction in the intestine caused by a twisting and knotting of the bowel
ulcerative colitis
chronic inflammatory ulceration of the colon, primarily affecting the mucosa and submucosa
irritable bowel syndrome
abnormally increased motility of the intestines, commonly associated with emotional stress
intussusception
the prolapse of one segment of the intestine into the lumen of another segment
ileus
intestinal obstruction
hemorrhoids
varicose dilations of a vein in the lower rectum or anus caused by congestion in the veins of the hemorrhoidal plexus
diverticulosis
an abnormal presence of diverticula, particularly through the muscular portion of the sigmoid colon
crohn disease
a chronic inflammatory bowel disease of unknown origin that usually affects the ileum, colon, or other parts of the GI