Crohn’s & Colitis Glossary

Abscess

A collection of pus (dead white blood cells) formed by an infection.

Blockage

A partial or complete obstruction or closing off of the small or large intestine that keeps food, liquid, gas, and stool from moving through the intestines in a normal way.

Chronic

A medical condition that lasts longer than a year, requires ongoing medical attention, and may limit your day-to-day activities.

Clinical remission

Absence of symptoms. The patient feels well.

Dehydration

This is when there is a lack of fluid in the body that may be related to vomiting, diarrhea, and/or not drinking enough water.

Diarrhea

Bowel movements that are too often, too soft, and/or too loose.

Extraintestinal manifestations

Signs, symptoms, or complications of IBD that occur outside of the gastrointestinal tract such as arthritis, eye inflammation, or skin rashes.

Fatigue

A feeling of extreme tiredness and exhaustion.

Fibrosis

Scarring or thickening of tissue.

Fistula

A tunnel starting from the intestine that connects to another area of the body (another area of the intestine, bladder, vagina, or skin).