Foul Smelling Stool - Glossary

Antibiotics: Drugs used to treat bacterial infections

Celiac disease: Condition in which there is an immune response to gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats) that damages the mucus lining of the intestine, resulting in impaired absorption of foods

Cystic fibrosis: An inherited disease involving the lungs, digestive system, sweat glands, and affecting male fertility. It causes pancreatic scarring, which affects enzyme secretion and digestion

Digestion: Process by which the ingested food is broken down by chemicals (enzymes) within the stomach and intestine so that it can be absorbed into the blood

Gut microbial flora: Bacteria that are normally present within the intestine

Lipase: An enzyme that is necessary for digestion of fat

Malabsorption: Condition where absorption of digested food is affected

Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas