Abdominal Distension - Glossary

Swelling - Abnormal inflammation that occurs in the body.

Anemia - A condition in which the number of red blood cells is below normal.

Abdomen - The part of the body that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs.

Colonoscopy - Visualisation of the colon with a flexible lighted instrument (colonoscope) passed through the anus.

Ultrasound - A test that bounces sound waves off tissues and internal organs and changes the echoes into pictures (sonograms).

Complete Blood Count - Standard set of measurements of the white blood cells and red blood cells.

Constipation - The inability to pass bowel movements easily.

Nausea - Vomiting sensation.

X-ray - High energy radiation with waves shorter than those of visible light. X-rays possess the properties of penetrating most substances (to varying extents), of acting on a photographic film or plate (permitting radiography), and of causing a fluorescent screen to give off light (permitting fluoroscopy). In low doses X-rays are used for making images that help to diagnose disease, and in high doses to treat cancer. Formerly called a Roentgen ray.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome - A condition in which there is a tendency to overactivity of the bowel emptying activity, accompanied by abdominal pain and diarrhea; the cause of the condition is unknown but psychological and allergic factors are generally believed to play a role.

Neoplasm - A new growth of benign or malignant tissue.

Gastroenterologist - A doctor who specializes in treating disorders of digestive system.

Cirrhosis - A type of chronic, progressive liver disease.

Dyspepsia - Upset stomach.

Ulcers - An open sore on the skin or a mucous membrane.