a life-threatening condition with severely low levels of neutrophils
alopecia
loss of hair usually of the scalp in round patches, but may occur anywhere on the body where hair normally grows
antacids
medications that neutralizes excess stomach acid
arthralgia
a painful joint
dysmenorrhea
painful menstrual periods and cramps
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
a condition in which acidic gastric fluid flows backward into the esophagus, resulting in frequent dyspepsia/heartburn
gynecomastia
an overdevelopment or enlargement of breast tissue in males
hydrochloric acid (HCl)
a strong acid that is a component of gastric juices
hyperacidity
a condition in which the level of gastric acid/hydrochloric acid is excessive, causing GI discomfort
neutropenia
abnormally few neutrophils in the blood, leading to possible infection; an undesirable side effect of some cancer treatments
pepsin
a digestive enzyme produced by cells in the stomach lining
peptic ulcer disease (PUD)
open sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine from excessive acid or corrosive chemicals/medications
prostaglandins
a naturally occurring compound in the body that protects the stomach lining from acid
rebound hyperacidity
the production of additional acid after the effects of an antacid wear off
tetany
a condition in which the body experiences intermittent muscle spasms
transaminase
an enzyme that helps with breakdown and metabolism of amino acids
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
a rare medical condition characterized by excessive production of stomach acid