BMI = Body Mass Index

• A measurement of body fat based on height and weight, used to assess whether an individual is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

EGD = Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

• A diagnostic procedure in which a flexible endoscope is used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine (duodenum).

FTT = Failure to Thrive

• A condition in infants or children characterized by insufficient weight gain or growth, often caused by inadequate nutrition or underlying medical conditions.

GERD = Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

• A chronic condition in which stomach acid or bile flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing.

GI = Gastrointestinal

• Referring to the digestive system, which includes the stomach, intestines, and associated organs involved in digestion and nutrient absorption.

IH = Inguinal Hernia

• A condition in which a portion of the intestine or abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the inguinal canal, causing a bulge in the groin.

IBD = Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• A group of chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, primarily including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

IBS = Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• A common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea, or both).

NG Tube = Nasogastric Tube

• A tube inserted through the nose into the stomach, used for feeding, administering medications, or draining stomach contents.

NAFLD = Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

PUD = Peptic Ulcer Disease

• A condition characterized by open sores or ulcers in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, often caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or the use of NSAIDs.

PN = Parenteral Nutrition

• A method of providing nutrition intravenously, bypassing the digestive tract, often used in patients with severe gastrointestinal conditions or after surgery.

UC = Ulcerative Colitis

• A form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding.

Brunner’s Glands

• Named After: Johann Conrad Brunner, a Swiss anatomist. Glands in the duodenum that secrete alkaline mucus to protect the intestinal lining. These glands help neutralize stomach acid in the small intestine, playing a key role in preventing damage to the intestinal mucosa.

Crohn’s Disease

• Named After: Burrill Crohn, an American gastroenterologist.
• A chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract, often affecting the ileum and colon. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition. It is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Gilbert’s Syndrome

• Named After: Augustin Nicolas Gilbert, a French physician.
• A hereditary liver disorder resulting in mildly elevated bilirubin levels, typically without significant symptoms. It is often detected incidentally during routine blood tests and is usually benign.

Whipple Procedure