Glossary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
(Click the first letter for the term you're looking for.)
5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA)
A medication that is most often prescribed for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Examples of 5-ASAs include mesalamine, a medication that does not contain sulfa, and sulfasalazine, a medication that contains sulfa. These medications are also known as aminosalicylates.
Abdomen
The region of the body that contains the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.
Abdominal pain
A common symptom of ulcerative colitis. May also be described as cramping in the lower abdominal region. Can vary in intensity and duration.
Adherence (add-HEER-ance)
The extent to which a patient continues the agreed-upon mode of treatment under limited supervision. See also compliance and maintenance.
Anemia
Any condition in which the number of red blood cells, the amount of hemoglobin, and volume of red blood cells are lower than normal. Some people with ulcerative colitis may have anemia due to loss of blood through bloody diarrhea.
Anus
The opening at the lower end of the GI tract where solid waste is eliminated from the body.
Arthralgia
Pain and discomfort of the joints. Some people with ulcerative colitis experience arthralgia.
Arthritis
An inflammation of a joint or joints where there is pain, heat, swelling, and/or redness of the joint. Some people with ulcerative colitis experience arthritis.
A medication that is most often prescribed for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Examples of 5-ASAs include mesalamine, a medication that does not contain sulfa, and sulfasalazine, a medication that contains sulfa. These medications are also known as aminosalicylates.
Abdomen
The region of the body that contains the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.
Abdominal pain
A common symptom of ulcerative colitis. May also be described as cramping in the lower abdominal region. Can vary in intensity and duration.
Adherence (add-HEER-ance)
The extent to which a patient continues the agreed-upon mode of treatment under limited supervision. See also compliance and maintenance.
Anemia
Any condition in which the number of red blood cells, the amount of hemoglobin, and volume of red blood cells are lower than normal. Some people with ulcerative colitis may have anemia due to loss of blood through bloody diarrhea.
Anus
The opening at the lower end of the GI tract where solid waste is eliminated from the body.
Arthralgia
Pain and discomfort of the joints. Some people with ulcerative colitis experience arthralgia.
Arthritis
An inflammation of a joint or joints where there is pain, heat, swelling, and/or redness of the joint. Some people with ulcerative colitis experience arthritis.
Barium
A liquid that is taken orally or rectally that allows a doctor to see the small intestines and/or large bowel on an X-ray.
Barium enema
A procedure that includes delivering liquid barium to the rectum and colon so the area can be seen on an X-ray.
Biopsy
Process of removing tissue from the body for closer examination. Using a special attachment to a flexible lighted tube (endoscope), a doctor may take a small sample during an examination of the rectum and colon. A biopsy may be used to confirm the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis or to periodically monitor for the possibility of other conditions such as cancer.
Bowel
The small and large intestines.
A liquid that is taken orally or rectally that allows a doctor to see the small intestines and/or large bowel on an X-ray.
Barium enema
A procedure that includes delivering liquid barium to the rectum and colon so the area can be seen on an X-ray.
Biopsy
Process of removing tissue from the body for closer examination. Using a special attachment to a flexible lighted tube (endoscope), a doctor may take a small sample during an examination of the rectum and colon. A biopsy may be used to confirm the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis or to periodically monitor for the possibility of other conditions such as cancer.
Bowel
The small and large intestines.
Cecum
The first part of the large intestine located below the terminal ileum.
Colectomy
Surgical removal of part or all of the colon.
Colon
The part of the large intestine that extends from the cecum to the rectum. Includes the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon.
Colonoscopy
An examination of the colon using a lighted, flexible tube (colonoscope) inserted into the rectum. A colonoscopy allows a doctor to see the inside of the colon.
Colorectal
A term that refers to the rectum and colon.
Corticosteroid
A medication that can be used as an anti-inflammatory medication. In ulcerative colitis, it is used to reduce severe inflammation. It is available in many dosage forms, including tablet, intravenous (IV), enema, suppository, or foam.
Cramping
Intermittent abdominal pain that may vary in intensity; a common symptom of ulcerative colitis.
Crohn's disease
A chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive tract. It is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) where inflammation occurs anywhere from the mouth to rectum but most commonly in the small and/or large intestines. Common symptoms of Crohn's disease include diarrhea and abdominal pain/cramping.
The first part of the large intestine located below the terminal ileum.
Colectomy
Surgical removal of part or all of the colon.
Colon
The part of the large intestine that extends from the cecum to the rectum. Includes the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon.
Colonoscopy
An examination of the colon using a lighted, flexible tube (colonoscope) inserted into the rectum. A colonoscopy allows a doctor to see the inside of the colon.
Colorectal
A term that refers to the rectum and colon.
Corticosteroid
A medication that can be used as an anti-inflammatory medication. In ulcerative colitis, it is used to reduce severe inflammation. It is available in many dosage forms, including tablet, intravenous (IV), enema, suppository, or foam.
Cramping
Intermittent abdominal pain that may vary in intensity; a common symptom of ulcerative colitis.
Crohn's disease
A chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive tract. It is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) where inflammation occurs anywhere from the mouth to rectum but most commonly in the small and/or large intestines. Common symptoms of Crohn's disease include diarrhea and abdominal pain/cramping.
Diarrhea
Abnormal bowel movements of increased frequency and/or looser consistency; a common symptom of ulcerative colitis.
Digestive tract
The system of the body that digests food. Food is chewed and swallowed before it travels down the esophagus to the stomach. Once there, enzymes and stomach acids mix with the food. Then, in the small intestine, enzymes break down the foods further and help absorb what's needed for the body. The colon then reabsorbs salts and fluids as well as stores waste, which is later eliminated through the rectum.
Dysplasia
Changes in the cells of the colon which can be a precursor to colorectal cancer.
Abnormal bowel movements of increased frequency and/or looser consistency; a common symptom of ulcerative colitis.
Digestive tract
The system of the body that digests food. Food is chewed and swallowed before it travels down the esophagus to the stomach. Once there, enzymes and stomach acids mix with the food. Then, in the small intestine, enzymes break down the foods further and help absorb what's needed for the body. The colon then reabsorbs salts and fluids as well as stores waste, which is later eliminated through the rectum.
Dysplasia
Changes in the cells of the colon which can be a precursor to colorectal cancer.
Edema
Build-up of excessive amounts of fluid in tissue, most noticeably in ankles and hands. Although uncommon, some people with ulcerative colitis experience edema.
Endoscopy
A procedure that involves any examination of the rectum and/or colon. Depending on the area being examined, the procedure may be called a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. For these procedures, a lighted, flexible tube (endoscope) is used to examine the colon and/or rectum.
Enzyme, digestive
Proteins produced by the body that aid in the digestion of food.
Esophagus
The part of the digestive tract that connects the mouth to the stomach; food travels through the esophagus to the stomach.
Exacerbation
The worsening of disease symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis.
Extent
The amount, in terms of area, of the colon and/or rectum involved in ulcerative colitis.
Extraintestinal manifestation
A symptom or symptoms separate from ulcerative colitis symptoms that may affect the eyes, skin, and/or joints as well as the gastrointestinal organs such as the liver, pancreas, and/or gall bladder.
Build-up of excessive amounts of fluid in tissue, most noticeably in ankles and hands. Although uncommon, some people with ulcerative colitis experience edema.
Endoscopy
A procedure that involves any examination of the rectum and/or colon. Depending on the area being examined, the procedure may be called a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. For these procedures, a lighted, flexible tube (endoscope) is used to examine the colon and/or rectum.
Enzyme, digestive
Proteins produced by the body that aid in the digestion of food.
Esophagus
The part of the digestive tract that connects the mouth to the stomach; food travels through the esophagus to the stomach.
Exacerbation
The worsening of disease symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis.
Extent
The amount, in terms of area, of the colon and/or rectum involved in ulcerative colitis.
Extraintestinal manifestation
A symptom or symptoms separate from ulcerative colitis symptoms that may affect the eyes, skin, and/or joints as well as the gastrointestinal organs such as the liver, pancreas, and/or gall bladder.
Flare-up
When the rectum and/or colon become inflamed. During a flare-up, people experience periods of increased symptoms of ulcerative colitis, such as bloody diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain or cramping, and an urgent need to have a bowel movement. Flare-ups can vary in duration and intensity.
When the rectum and/or colon become inflamed. During a flare-up, people experience periods of increased symptoms of ulcerative colitis, such as bloody diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain or cramping, and an urgent need to have a bowel movement. Flare-ups can vary in duration and intensity.
Gastroenterologist
A doctor trained to treat people with disorders of the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine (rectum and colon). Gastroenterologists are also trained to treat diseases of the liver and pancreas.
Gastrointestinal (GI) tract
Organs that are part of the digestive tract, which include the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine (rectum and colon).
Gastrointestinal ulcer
A red, inflamed, shallow sore produced by the destruction of the mucous membrane (inner lining of the digestive tract).
Gut
Intestine or bowel.
A doctor trained to treat people with disorders of the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine (rectum and colon). Gastroenterologists are also trained to treat diseases of the liver and pancreas.
Gastrointestinal (GI) tract
Organs that are part of the digestive tract, which include the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine (rectum and colon).
Gastrointestinal ulcer
A red, inflamed, shallow sore produced by the destruction of the mucous membrane (inner lining of the digestive tract).
Gut
Intestine or bowel.
Hemoglobin
Part of the red blood cell that contains iron and carries oxygen.
Hemorrhoids
Enlarged veins inside and/or outside the rectum and/or anus that may be painful and/or bleed.
Part of the red blood cell that contains iron and carries oxygen.
Hemorrhoids
Enlarged veins inside and/or outside the rectum and/or anus that may be painful and/or bleed.
Ileostomy
A surgical procedure in which an opening is constructed through the abdominal wall into the terminal ileum (the last part of the small intestine).
Incontinence
Inability to control a bowel movement; sometimes associated with a flare-up.
Inflammation
Redness, heat, or pain that indicates an injury to tissue.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
A chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the most common forms of IBD.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
A condition of the colon and/or rectum where a person experiences a series of symptoms, such as lower abdominal pain/spasms, diarrhea, and/or constipation. IBS is not an inflammatory bowel disease.
A surgical procedure in which an opening is constructed through the abdominal wall into the terminal ileum (the last part of the small intestine).
Incontinence
Inability to control a bowel movement; sometimes associated with a flare-up.
Inflammation
Redness, heat, or pain that indicates an injury to tissue.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
A chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the most common forms of IBD.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
A condition of the colon and/or rectum where a person experiences a series of symptoms, such as lower abdominal pain/spasms, diarrhea, and/or constipation. IBS is not an inflammatory bowel disease.
Large intestine
The colon and rectum.
Lower endoscopy
An examination of the rectum and /or lower portion of the colon using a lighted, flexible tube (colonoscope) inserted into the rectum.
The colon and rectum.
Lower endoscopy
An examination of the rectum and /or lower portion of the colon using a lighted, flexible tube (colonoscope) inserted into the rectum.
Maintenance therapy
Taking medication regularly on a continuous basis and as prescribed by a doctor to help manage the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and increase the time between flare-ups . Also called remission therapy.
Mesalamine
A sulfa-free 5-ASA medication, or aminosalicylate, used to treat ulcerative colitis.
Mucus
A white-colored excretion produced by the intestine that may be a symptom of ulcerative colitis.
Taking medication regularly on a continuous basis and as prescribed by a doctor to help manage the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and increase the time between flare-ups . Also called remission therapy.
Mesalamine
A sulfa-free 5-ASA medication, or aminosalicylate, used to treat ulcerative colitis.
Mucus
A white-colored excretion produced by the intestine that may be a symptom of ulcerative colitis.
Occult blood
Blood in the stool that cannot be seen; may be detected in diagnostic tests for ulcerative colitis.
Blood in the stool that cannot be seen; may be detected in diagnostic tests for ulcerative colitis.
Perforation
An abnormal opening or tear in the wall of the bowel that allows intestinal contents to enter the abdomen.
Peritoneum
The thin layer of connective tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the organs of the abdomen.
Peritonitis
An inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity, or peritoneum. It may occur as a complication of intestinal perforation.
Polyp
Usually non-cancerous intestinal growths that often develop slowly over time and can lead to cancer.
Proctocolectomy
Surgical removal of the rectum along with all or part of the colon.
An abnormal opening or tear in the wall of the bowel that allows intestinal contents to enter the abdomen.
Peritoneum
The thin layer of connective tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the organs of the abdomen.
Peritonitis
An inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity, or peritoneum. It may occur as a complication of intestinal perforation.
Polyp
Usually non-cancerous intestinal growths that often develop slowly over time and can lead to cancer.
Proctocolectomy
Surgical removal of the rectum along with all or part of the colon.
Rectal bleeding
The passage of varying amounts of blood through the rectum; a common symptom of ulcerative colitis.
Rectum
The last part of the digestive tract where waste is eliminated.
Remission
The time between flare-ups of ulcerative colitis when people may experience few, mild, or no symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Periods of remission vary in duration, anywhere from a matter of days to a number of years.
Remission therapy
Taking medication regularly on a continuous basis and as prescribed by a doctor to help manage the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and increase the time between flare-ups. Also called maintenance therapy.
Resection
Surgical removal of a diseased portion of intestine.
The passage of varying amounts of blood through the rectum; a common symptom of ulcerative colitis.
Rectum
The last part of the digestive tract where waste is eliminated.
Remission
The time between flare-ups of ulcerative colitis when people may experience few, mild, or no symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Periods of remission vary in duration, anywhere from a matter of days to a number of years.
Remission therapy
Taking medication regularly on a continuous basis and as prescribed by a doctor to help manage the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and increase the time between flare-ups. Also called maintenance therapy.
Resection
Surgical removal of a diseased portion of intestine.
Sigmoid
The S-shaped part of the colon, before the rectum.
Sigmoidoscopy
A procedure consisting of inserting a lighted, flexible tube (endoscope) into the rectum to view the sigmoid colon.
Small intestine
The part of the intestine located between the stomach and colon where nutrients are absorbed.
Steroid
See corticosteroid.
Stomach
The organ located between the esophagus and the small intestine where digestion of food occurs before passing to the small intestine.
Sulfasalazine
A medication that combines an ingredient called sulfa with 5-ASA used to treat ulcerative colitis.
The S-shaped part of the colon, before the rectum.
Sigmoidoscopy
A procedure consisting of inserting a lighted, flexible tube (endoscope) into the rectum to view the sigmoid colon.
Small intestine
The part of the intestine located between the stomach and colon where nutrients are absorbed.
Steroid
See corticosteroid.
Stomach
The organ located between the esophagus and the small intestine where digestion of food occurs before passing to the small intestine.
Sulfasalazine
A medication that combines an ingredient called sulfa with 5-ASA used to treat ulcerative colitis.
Tenesmus
Ineffective, often painful straining in an attempt to move the bowel.
Terminal ileum
The last part of the small intestine.
Ineffective, often painful straining in an attempt to move the bowel.
Terminal ileum
The last part of the small intestine.
Ulcer
See gastrointestinal ulcer.
Ulcerative colitis
A chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive tract. It is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that involves inflammation of the inner lining of the colon and rectum. People with this condition alternate between flare-ups and periods of remission throughout their lives.
See gastrointestinal ulcer.
Ulcerative colitis
A chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive tract. It is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that involves inflammation of the inner lining of the colon and rectum. People with this condition alternate between flare-ups and periods of remission throughout their lives.
