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An abscess is a collection of pus, a thick, fluid-like substance containing living and dead white blood cells, dead tissue and bacteria. It typically develops as a complication in the abdomen, pelvis or anal area for people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Aminosalicylates are medications that reduce inflammation in the lining of the digestive system.

Antibiotics are medications that may be used to treat infections related to IBD or used post-surgery to prevent infection. Antibiotics can also be used to treat the inflammation as a result of IBD, such as fistulas.

Biologics are medications created in a laboratory from living organisms. They work to interfere with the body’s inflammatory response by targeting specific proteins associated with IBD.

A biosimilar is a carefully tested medicine that is a near identical copy of an already approved biologic medication, called the reference product. Similar to the reference product, a biosimilar is made from living cells, works the same way in the body, has the same dosing, and has no meaningful differences in safety or strength. Biosimilars are not the same as generic medications, which are exact copies of chemical medicines.

An obstruction is a partial or complete blockage in the bowel that prevents food, liquid, gas, or stool from moving through the intestines.

Capsule endoscopy is a test that uses a tiny, swallowable camera—about the size of a vitamin pill—to take pictures inside the digestive tract. As the capsule moves through the intestines, it captures thousands of images, helping healthcare providers see areas that are hard to reach with traditional scopes, such as the small intestine. This is particularly helpful for evaluating Crohn’s disease.

CRP and ESR are lab tests that measure inflammation levels in the digestive tract.

Clinical remission occurs when the patient experiences a reduction or absence of IBD symptoms to the point that they “feel better.”

A colonoscopy, also known as a lower endoscopy, is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon.

A CBC is a lab test that detects infection and anemia.

Corticosteroids are a type of medication that can affect the body’s ability to create and sustain an inflammatory response.

Crohn’s disease is an immune-mediated condition that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and is associated with abnormalities of the immune system. CD can affect any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, but most commonly the large intestine and the ileum (the last part of the small intestine).

CTE is a specific type of computed tomography (CT) scan, using oral or IV (also known as radiation), to better visualize the intestines, which can help identify inflammation, obstructions, or blockages.

An end ileostomy is a permanent procedure where one end of the small intestine is brought out through a stoma.

Endoscopic remission occurs when minimal or no inflammation is seen in the gut mucosa, the lining of the digestive tract, during a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.

Endoscopy is a procedure to examine the colon and rectum. It consists of a tube with a camera and is inserted through the anus. To learn more about types of endoscopy, see capsule endoscopy, colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, push enteroscopy, sigmoidoscopy and upper endoscopy.

An EIM is when IBD affects other parts of the body, commonly in the joints, skin, eyes, and liver.

Fecal calprotectin is a test that measures the amount of a protein called calprotectin in the stool. An elevated level of calprotectin can indicate active intestinal inflammation.

A fissure is a tear in the lining of the anus, which can cause pain and bleeding, especially during bowel movements.

A fistula is an abnormal channel that forms between the intestine and another organ such as between the intestine and the bladder, vagina, or skin.

A flare is a span of time where symptoms of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis return or worsen.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy uses a slender tube to examine the rectum and sigmoid, the ‘S’ shaped part of the colon.

A gastroenterologist is a physician with specialized training in the management of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver.

Histologic remission occurs when biopsies of tissue taken during a colonoscopy from the previously inflamed bowel no longer show signs of inflammation under the microscope.

An IBDologist or IBD Specialist is a type of gastroenterologist who specializes in the understanding and treatment of IBD, including the latest research and guidelines regarding diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment.

An ileostomy is a surgically created opening in the abdomen in which a piece of the ileum (lowest part of the small intestine) is brought outside the abdominal wall to create an opening called a stoma. Stool passes through the stoma and into a pouch worn on the abdomen. An ileostomy may be temporary (loop) or permanent (end).

Push enteroscopy, also known as push endoscopy, is a procedure that uses a long, narrow, flexible tube called an enteroscope. The tube has a tiny light and a camera on its tip which connects through a video feed that can display a high definition inside view of the intestine.

Remission is a span of time where IBD symptoms are reduced or absent. To learn more about some types of remission, see clinical remission, endoscopic remission and histologic remission.

Self-advocacy is actively participating in decisions related to one’s care alongside a healthcare team. This may include asking questions, communicating one’s needs and preferences, and making informed decisions.

A sigmoidoscopy uses a tube inserted through the anus to examine the left side of the colon or rectum.

Shared decision-making is a collaborative approach in decision making between patients and their healthcare providers.

A stoma is a surgically created opening on the abdomen connected to the digestive system to allow waste (feces) to be diverted out of the body. It looks like a small, pinkish, circular piece of flesh. Patients wear a pouch (bag) over the stoma to collect waste. Stomas have no nerve endings so it should not cause pain once healed from surgery.

A stricture is an abnormal narrowing of a bodily passage, such as the small or large intestine due to chronic inflammation.

Subcutaneous is a treatment delivery method in which a needle delivers medication under the skin. This may allow for self-injection of medication after proper training with a healthcare provider.

UC is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon. The lining of the colon becomes inflamed, creating open sores, or ulcers. The inflammation associated with UC causes blood in the stool, urgency, and cramps, among other symptoms.

An upper endoscopy is a procedure that uses a small endoscope with a light and camera inserted down into the throat to look inside the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine (the duodenum).