Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining (the gastric mucosa). It is a clinical and pathologic term used in gastroenterology to describe injury patterns in the stomach. The word is commonly used when discussing symptoms like upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, or bleeding. In teaching and clinical notes, it often serves as a “working label” until a cause is identified.

Achalasia is a disorder of esophageal motility (movement). It causes impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and abnormal peristalsis in the esophageal body. It most often presents with dysphagia (trouble swallowing) and regurgitation of undigested food. The term Achalasia is commonly used in gastroenterology, GI surgery, and motility testing reports.

Esophageal Varices are enlarged, fragile veins in the wall of the esophagus. They most often form when blood flow through the liver is obstructed, creating portal hypertension. They matter clinically because they can bleed, sometimes severely. They are commonly discussed in hepatology and endoscopy settings, especially in cirrhosis care.

A Mallory Weiss Tear is a superficial mucosal laceration near the junction of the esophagus and stomach. It most often appears after forceful vomiting or retching and can cause upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Clinicians use the term to describe a specific, generally non-transmural source of hematemesis (vomiting blood). It is commonly discussed in emergency medicine, gastroenterology, and endoscopy settings.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammation of the esophagus. It is defined by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and increased eosinophils on esophageal biopsy. In plain terms, it is a type of “allergic-type” inflammation that can make swallowing difficult. It is commonly used in gastroenterology to explain dysphagia and food impaction, especially when routine reflux treatment is not enough.

Esophagitis means inflammation of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. It is a diagnosis used when the esophageal lining is irritated, injured, or immune-activated. Clinicians use the term in symptom workups for heartburn, chest discomfort, and trouble swallowing. It is also used in endoscopy and pathology reports to describe visible and microscopic findings.

Barrett Esophagus is a condition in which the lining of the lower esophagus changes to a different, intestine-like lining. It is most often discussed in the context of long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Clinicians commonly identify it during upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy, EGD) with biopsy. It matters because it is associated with an increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma compared with the general population.

Hiatal Hernia is a condition where part of the stomach moves upward into the chest through the diaphragm. It involves the esophageal hiatus, the normal opening where the esophagus passes from the chest into the abdomen. It is commonly discussed in the context of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Clinicians use the term in imaging, endoscopy reports, and surgical planning.

Heartburn is a burning discomfort felt behind the breastbone (retrosternal) that often seems to rise toward the throat. It is a symptom term, not a diagnosis. In gastroenterology, Heartburn is most commonly used when discussing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In general medical settings, it is also used when triaging chest symptoms that could have non-GI causes.

Acid Reflux is the backward flow of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus. It is commonly described by symptoms such as “heartburn” and sour regurgitation. In clinical settings, it is used as a symptom term and as a physiologic concept in gastroenterology. It is also central to the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).