POLL

Resources
Glossary of Terms

• A
  • Alginate - a type of treatment based on a polysaccharide which is extracted from brown seaweed.
  • Antacids - a type of treatment that is alkaline in nature and works by neutralising excess acid.
• D
  • Digestion - process of breaking down foods into small molecules for absorption.
• G
  • Gastro-oesophageal reflux - movement of the stomach contents back up into the oesophagus.
  • Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) - condition caused by abnormal gastro-oesophageal reflux. Symptoms include those of heartburn and regurgitation.
• H
  • H2-receptor antagonists (H2-RAs) - a type of treatment that works at the source of acid production, blocking a process by which the stomach makes excess acid.
  • Heartburn - burning pain caused by excess acid which normally sits within the protected lining of the stomach but escapes back up into the oesophagus (food pipe).
• O
  • Oesophagus - commonly known as the food pipe or gullet; a muscular tube approximately 25 cm long that extends from the back of the throat to the stomach. Food passes along the oesophagus aided by waves of peristalsis (muscle contractions).
• P
  • Proton pump - protein in the membrane of the stomach that secretes hydrochloric acid.
  • Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) - a type of treatment that interacts with the proton pump to inhibit acid secretion by the stomach.
• R
  • Reflux - movement of the stomach contents back up into the oesophagus.
  • Reflux suppressant - a type of treatment that produces a physical barrier to help prevent the stomach contents moving back up into the oesophagus.
  • Regurgitation - the bringing up of undigested food from the stomach to the mouth.
• S
  • Saliva - alkaline liquid secreted into the mouth.
  • Salivary glands - glands that produce saliva.
  • Sphincter - a ring of muscle at the entrance to the stomach.