Glossary

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• Achalasia:

  Achalasia is a disorder of the oesophagus that makes it difficult for food to pass through, causing dysphagia, regurgitation, and a feeling of being choked.

• Ascites:

  Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, usually related to liver disease or other problems that require medical investigation.

• Rumbling:

  Borborigmos are the intestinal noises produced during digestion; they are usually normal, but if they are persistent or accompanied by symptoms, they should be assessed.

• MRCP:

  Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography is a non-invasive test that allows the bile and pancreatic ducts to be studied and gallstones, strictures or lesions to be detected.

• Colonoscopy:

  Colonoscopy allows for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of colon and rectal lesions, being key for digestive symptoms or preventive check-ups.

• Barrett's oesophagus:

  Alteration of the oesophageal lining associated with chronic reflux, requiring monitoring for potential cellular changes.

• Gastroscopy:

  Gastroscopy allows for the study of the oesophagus and stomach, the diagnosis of digestive problems, and precise intervention during the same procedure.

• Pancreatic cystic lesion:

  A pancreatic cystic lesion is a fluid-filled formation in the pancreas that may require monitoring depending on its type, size and characteristics.

• Unintentional weight loss:

  Unexplained weight loss occurs when a person loses weight unintentionally and can be a sign of a digestive, metabolic, or general disorder.

• Peristalsis:

  Peristalsis is the movement that allows food to advance through the digestive system; its alteration can cause symptoms such as dysphagia or slow digestion.

• Chyme:

  Chyme is the mixture of food and gastric juices that forms in the stomach; its proper formation is key to adequate digestion.

• Digestive bleeding:

  Digestive bleeding is the loss of blood in the digestive system, which can appear in vomit, faeces, or be detected through anaemia.

• Oesophageal motility disorder:

  Disorder of the movement of the oesophagus that makes it difficult for food and liquids to pass into the stomach and can cause dysphagia, pain, or regurgitation.