Crohn’s & Colitis Glossary
Symptom
A change in how you feel or your physical appearance that is a sign of illness or health concern.
Targeted Synthetic Small Molecules
Oral medications that help reduce inflammation by specifically targeting parts of the immune system.
Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT)
A blood test for the activity of an enzyme that helps in breaking down certain medications – azathioprine and 6MP – and to establish safety and proper dosing of these medications.
Toxic megacolon
A severe complication associated with ulcerative colitis that leads to rapid enlargement of the colon and requires immediate treatment and surgery. Symptoms include pain, distension or swelling of the abdomen, fever, rapid heart rate, constipation, and dehydration.
Translational research
A research approach that aims to move scientific discoveries into practice, to improve human health through the development of drugs, therapies, techniques, and medical devices.
Treat-to-target
An individualized strategy that defines a treatment target (like remission or low disease activity) and applies a strict regimen (for example, monthly visits and treatment adjustment) to reach that target.
Treatment Strategies
Plans to manage or alleviate symptoms of a disease. These strategies may involve various types of treatments, including medical therapies, surgical procedures, psychological support, lifestyle changes, and dietary adjustments, depending on the specific condition. In the context of diseases like IBD, treatment strategies focus on controlling disease activity, preventing complications, and improving overall health outcomes.
Trigger Food
A food that can make your IBD symptoms worse – such as causing diarrhea, bloating, pain, or vomiting.
Ulcer
A break in the skin or lining of the GI tract. In Crohn’s disease, ulcers can occur anywhere between the mouth and the anus. In ulcerative colitis, ulcers occur in the colon.
Ultrasound
An imaging test in which high-frequency sound waves, not heard by the human ear, are transmitted through body tissues using a transducer, relaying pictures to a computer for display.
