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).