Ulcerative Colitis Dictionary

5-ASA compounds: Similar in many ways to aspirin, but with the added value of treating ulcerative colitis, either through an enema in the rectal area or as a non-absorbing oral medication that is able to reach the upper part of the large intestine before activating.

abdominal pain: A common symptom of ulcerative colitis that may range from mild to severe cramping, although some individuals experience no pain.

anastomosis: A surgical event in which two normally unrelated structures are attached to create a new path, such as when all or a portion of the large intestine is removed and the anus is sewn to the small intestine or in the construction of a colostomy.

anemia: Often indicated by an abnormal white cell count as well as an indication of infection or bleeding in the colon or rectal area.

antibiotics: A group of drugs used to fight any number of bacterial infections, which are common occurrences with ulcerative colitis.

arthritis: Joint pain that can be present when ulcerative colitis is active and may be a symptom of the disease itself or caused by treatment and often is only present during flare-ups.

barium enema: An X-ray procedure using a special radiopaque substance inserted into the rectum, which can help in the diagnosis of many types of colorectal conditions by viewing the interior lining.

biopsy: A procedure in which small samples of tissue are removed; generally aids in diagnosing ulcerative colitis and its level of severity.

cecum: The portion of the ascending colon (located on the right side) that connects to the small intestine.

colectomy: A surgical procedure in which a portion or all of the large intestine is removed and portions are reattached to the rectum or may be, in the case of an ostomy, connected to an opening in the abdomen.

colitis: A group of inflammatory diseases that includes Crohn's and ulcerative colitis that is often marked by diarrhea, cramping and bleeding.

colon: The large intestine, which is responsible for turning fecal matter into a solid material by absorbing moisture before it passes through the rectal area and out the anus.

colon cancer: A cancer of the large intestine, that may be a complication from chronic, or long-term, ulcerative colitis with percentage risks higher depending on the severity of colitis.

colonoscopy: Also called "coloscopy," this procedure uses a specialized endoscope (the colonoscope) to view the interior of the colon and take tissue samples if necessary.

continent ileostomy: A surgical procedure in which the large intestine is removed, but instead of creating an exterior collecting bag, an interior pouch is crafted from intestinal material and remains inside, where it can be emptied by a special tube through a stomach opening (stoma).

corticosteroids: A family of drugs that is used to treat a variety of diseases and conditions and is useful in relieving inflammation as well as allergies, itching and swelling.

Crohn's disease: A chronic disease that along with ulcerative colitis is known as "inflammatory bowel disease," or IBD, and mainly impacts both the small and large intestines with the presence of ulcers.

diarrhea: A watery bowel movement caused by illness and disease that if temporary may have minimal effects on the body, but in chronic cases may have serious complications, including dehydration.