Tenesmus
(tuh-NEZ-mus)
Straining to have a bowel movement. May be painful and continue for a long time without result.

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
(TOH-tul puh-REN-tuh-rul noo-TRISH-un)
See Parenteral Nutrition.

Tracheoesophageal Fistula (TEF)
(TRAY-kee-oh-uh-SAW-fuh-JEE-ul FIST-yoo-luh)
A condition that occurs when there is a gap between the upper and lower segments of the esophagus. Food and saliva cannot pass through.

Transverse Colon
(TRANZ-vurs KOH-lun)
The part of the colon that goes across the abdomen from right to left.

Travelers' Diarrhea
(TRAV-lurz dy-uh-REE-uh)
An infection caused by unclean food or drink. Often occurs during travel outside one's own country. See also Gastroenteritis.

Triple-Therapy
A combination of three medicines used to treat Helicobacter pylori infection and ulcers. Drugs that stop the body from making acid are often added to relieve symptoms.

Tropical Sprue
A condition of unknown cause. Abnormalities in the lining of the small intestine prevent the body from absorbing food normally.