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 (also known as GERD - utilising the American spelling 'esophagus'). Symptoms include those of heartburn and regurgitation.

H

  • Heartburn - burning pain caused by 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).

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, for example, at the entrance to the stomach.
 
For heartburn and indigestion. Always read the label. Medicine can affect the unborn baby. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine in pregnancy. Information about adverse event reporting can be found at www.yellowcard.gov.uk.