GI or gastrointestinal: Pertains to the digestive tract which includes the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, anus, and rectum.

Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and the intestines. Can cause nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea. Gastroenteritis has numerous causes, including infectious organisms (viruses, bacteria, etc.), food poisoning, and physical or emotional stress.

Gastroesophageal reflux: The return of stomach contents back up into the esophagus this frequently causes heartburn because of irritation to the esophagus by stomach acid. It may cause aspiration and pneumonia.

Gastrostomy: A surgical opening into the stomach usually for the placement of a feeding tube (gastrostomy tube). This can also be done by percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). PEG is a surgical procedure for placing a feeding tube without doing an open laparotomy (larger operation on the abdomen). The incisions are very small and require less healing time. Ask your care provider about the benefits/risks of these procedures as they relate to your child.

Generic name: The term "generic name" has three meanings when referring to a drug. First, it may be the chemical name of a drug. Second, it may refer to the chemical makeup of a drug rather than to the advertised brand name. And finally, generic is any drug marketed under its chemical name without advertising. Generic drugs are less expensive than brand-name drugs are chemically identical and meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards for safety, purity, and effectiveness.

Genetics: The scientific study of heredity and genes.

Gland: A group of cells that secrete a substance for use in the body (example, the thyroid gland). The term gland may also refer to a group of cells that collects materials from the circulation. For example, a lymph gland collects and neutralizes bacteria, abnormal cells, etc from circulation and that is why they swell during a sore throat.

Granulation: That part of the healing process in which rough, pink tissue containing new connective tissue and capillaries forms around the edges of a wound. Granulation of a wound is normal and desirable.

Granulocyte: A type of white blood cell that helps fight infections.