Glossary

A barium enema is a test that is used to help a physician determine what is going on inside the large intestine and make a diagnosis.

No, it's not a new type of digestive problem. Instead, it's something that everyone experiences at one time or another.

If your bowel is gurgling, it means it's working! Find out what bowel sounds -- and the lack of bowel sounds -- mean.

An enema may be used to relieve constipation or to clean out the bowel prior to surgery or a test (such as a colonoscopy).

A procedure known as fecal bacteriotherapy (FB) or fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a novel treatment being studied for use in IBD.

Folic acid is a water-soluble, B-complex vitamin that is important for people with inflammatory bowel disease, especially those who may be taking methotrexate or sulfasalazine.

Generic drugs are a class of prescription drugs that have the same chemical make-up as their name-brand equivalent, but typically sell for a lower price.

Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis to treat physical disease or psychological issues. Hypnotherapy is different than hypnosis done as a trick or onstage in front of an audience.

Idiopathic is the term that refers to a disease with no known cause.

Immunosuppresants are drugs often used to treat inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) and to prevent organ or tissue rejection after a transplant.

Bowel incontinence, or fecal soiling, can be a problem for some people who have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

A type of fungus that can infect the gastrointestinal tract may be initially misdiagnosed as colon cancer or IBD.

A type of intestinal condition where there is no physical blockage, but the intestine is not working properly. A pseudo-obstruction is poorly understood, and it can happen suddenly, or develop over a long period of time.

Ischemic colitis is an inflammation of the large intestine (colon) that occurs because of an interruption in the blood flow.

Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin, mucus membranes, and the white part of the eyes caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. Jaundice can be caused by several conditions including gallbladder and liver disease.

Laxatives are medications that may be used to treat constipation or to clean the colon.

The lumen is the opening inside a tubular body structure that is surrounded by an epithelial membrane.

A nasogastric (NG) tube is a device that can be used for a variety of reasons in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive disease.

Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in certain types of fish, are an important part of a balanced diet, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

PSC is a type of liver disease that can sometimes be found in people with IBD, especially ulcerative colitis.

A restricted fiber diet might be followed for a time after a flare-up or abdominal surgery.

This law states that when a patron requires a restroom because of a condition such as a chronic illness or pregnancy, a business must allow them access to an employees-only facility.

When too much of the small intestine has been removed, it can result in a condition called short bowel syndrome.

A definition of the term 'Sigmoidoscopy.'

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is a specialized diet plan formulated as a treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other digestive conditions.

The part of the colon that runs from right to left across the abdomen.

People with IBD are no stranger to ulcers. Learn about some different kinds of ulcers that can affect your skin, your mouth, and your intestines.

The Ulcerative Colitis Disease Activity Index (UCDAI) is most often used during research on IBD.