• Ulcerative Colitis FAQ
• Ulcerative Colitis Glossary
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Part of dealing with ulcerative colitis is getting comfortable with talking about it with family, close friends, and particularly your doctor. Here are some UC-related terms you’ll likely hear, read, or use:

A medication that most often is prescribed for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Examples of 5-ASAs include mesalamine, a medication that does not contain sulfa, and sulfasalazine, a medication that contains sulfa. These medications are also known as aminosalicylates.

The region of the body that contains the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.

A common symptom of ulcerative colitis. Also it may be described as cramping in the lower abdominal region. Can vary in intensity and duration.

The extent to which a patient continues the agreed-upon mode of treatment under limited supervision.

Any condition in which the number of red blood cells, the amount of hemoglobin, and the volume of red blood cells are lower than normal. Some people with ulcerative colitis may have anemia due to loss of blood through bloody diarrhea.

The opening at the lower end of the GI tract where solid waste is eliminated from the body.

Pain and discomfort of the joints. Some people with ulcerative colitis experience arthralgia.

An inflammation of a joint or joints where there is pain, heat, swelling, and/or redness of the joint. Some people with ulcerative colitis experience arthritis.

A liquid that is taken orally or rectally that allows a doctor to see the small intestines and/or large bowel on an X-ray.

A procedure that includes delivering liquid barium to the rectum and colon so the area can be seen on an X-ray.

The process of removing tissue from the body for closer examination. A doctor may take a small sample of the rectum or colon during an examination, using a special attachment to a flexible, lighted tube (an endoscope). A biopsy may be used to confirm the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis.

The small and large intestines.

An American organization focused on improving the quality of life of people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis through research.

The first part of the large intestine located below the terminal ileum.

Surgical removal of part or all of the colon.

The part of the large intestine that extends from the cecum to the rectum. The colon absorbs excess water and salt into the blood; the remaining waste matter is converted to feces through bacterial action.

An examination of the colon using a lighted, flexible tube (colonoscope) inserted into the rectum. A colonoscopy allows a doctor to see the inside of the colon.

A term that refers to the rectum and colon.

A medication that can be used as an anti-inflammatory medication. In ulcerative colitis, it is used to reduce severe inflammation. It is available in many dosage forms, including tablet, intravenous (IV), enema, suppository, and foam.

Intermittent abdominal pain that may vary in intensity; a common symptom of ulcerative colitis.

Abnormal bowel movements of increased frequency and/or looser consistency; a common symptom of ulcerative colitis.

The system of the body that digests food. Food is chewed and swallowed before it travels down the esophagus to the stomach. Once there, enzymes and stomach acids mix with the food. Then, in the small intestine, enzymes break down the foods further and help absorb what's needed for the body. The colon then reabsorbs salts and fluids as well as stores waste, which is later eliminated through the rectum.

Buildup of excessive amounts of fluid in tissue, most noticeably in the ankles and hands. Although uncommon, some people with ulcerative colitis experience edema.

A procedure that involves any examination of the rectum and/or colon. Depending on the area being examined, the procedure may be called a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. For these procedures, a lighted, flexible tube (endoscope) is used to examine the colon and/or rectum.

Proteins produced by the body that aid in the digestion of food.

The part of the digestive tract that connects the mouth to the stomach; food travels through the esophagus to the stomach.

The worsening of disease symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis.

The amount, in terms of area, of the colon and/or rectum involved in ulcerative colitis.

A symptom or symptoms of ulcerative colitis separate from the intestinal symptoms that may affect the eyes, skin, and/or joints, as well as the gastrointestinal organs such as the liver, pancreas, and/or gallbladder.

The inability to restrain the release of a bowel movement; this can be a symptom of tougher UC flare-ups.

When the rectum and/or colon become inflamed. During a flare, people experience periods of increased symptoms of UC, such as bloody diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and an urgent need to have a bowel movement.

A doctor trained to treat people with disorders of the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine (rectum and colon). Gastroenterologists are also trained to treat diseases of the liver and pancreas.

Organs that are part of the digestive tract, which include the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine (rectum and colon).

A red, inflamed, shallow sore produced by the destruction of the mucous membrane (inner lining of the digestive tract).

Intestine or bowel.

Part of the red blood cells that contains iron and carries oxygen.

Enlarged veins inside and/or outside the rectum and/or anus that may be painful and/or bleed.

A surgical procedure in which an opening is constructed through the abdominal wall into the terminal ileum (the last part of the small intestine).

Redness, heat, or pain that indicates an injury to tissue.

The colon and rectum.

An examination of the rectum and/or lower portion of the colon using a lighted, flexible tube (colonoscope) inserted into the rectum.

A sulfa-free 5-ASA medication, or aminosalicylate, used to treat ulcerative colitis.

A white-colored excretion produced by the intestine that may be a symptom of ulcerative colitis.

Blood in the stool that cannot be seen; may be detected in diagnostic tests for ulcerative colitis.

An abnormal opening or tear in the wall of the bowel that allows intestinal contents to enter the abdomen.

The thin layer of connective tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the organs of the abdomen.

An inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity, or peritoneum. It may occur as a complication of intestinal perforation.

Surgical removal of the rectum along with all or part of the colon.

The passage of varying amounts of blood through the rectum; a common symptom of ulcerative colitis.

The last part of the digestive tract where waste is eliminated.

Surgical removal of a diseased portion of the intestine.

The S-shaped part of the colon, before the rectum.

A procedure consisting of inserting a lighted, flexible tube (endoscope) into the rectum to view the sigmoid colon.

The part of the intestine located between the stomach and colon; where nutrients are absorbed.

See corticosteroid.

The organ located between the esophagus and the small intestine where digestion of food begins before passing to the small intestine.

The number of bowel movements per day.

A 5-ASA containing sulfa; used to treat ulcerative colitis.

Ineffective, often painful straining in an attempt to move the bowel.

The last part of the small intestine.

See gastrointestinal ulcer.

A chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive tract. It is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that involves inflammation of the inner lining of the colon and rectum. People with this condition alternate between flare-ups and periods of remission throughout their lives.