Crohn’s & Colitis Glossary
Complication/Symptom:
Diagnostic Scan:
Medication:
Test:
Fecal calprotectin
A stool test for intestinal inflammation that aids in predicting active disease.
Fistula
A tunnel starting from the intestine that connects to another area of the body (another area of the intestine, bladder, vagina, or skin).
Flare
When IBD symptoms reappear after a period of low or no activity. The symptoms can get worse over time or get worse suddenly.
Gastrointestinal (GI) tract
This includes all parts of the body that digest food, including the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus.
Genes
These are basic units of inheritance that carry the information that determines your features or characteristics. They are passed on to you from your parents.
Gut
Another name for the intestines or bowel.
Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (also known as IPAA or J-pouch)
A surgical procedure in which an internal pouch is created from a portion of the small intestine and connected to the anus.
Ileostomy
A type of ostomy in which the stoma is formed by bringing a loop or the end of the small intestine through the abdominal wall and then your stool (poop) will empty into a pouch secured to the skin.
Immune response
The way your body defends itself against substances it sees as harmful or foreign.
Immune system
A system of tissues and cells in the body that work to protect it from infections and diseases.
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