IBD glossary
Content note: Reviewed for patient education accuracy against publicly available guidance from the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation and major IBD education sources. Last reviewed June 2026. Not individual medical advice.
Educational use only. IBDPal does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your gastroenterologist or IBD care team for personal decisions.
Short definitions for words patients often search. Your care team can explain how each term applies to you.
B
- Biologics
- Advanced medications that target specific parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Prescribed and monitored by a gastroenterologist.
C
- Colonoscopy
- A procedure using a flexible scope to examine the colon and rectum. Often used to diagnose IBD, assess inflammation, and screen for changes over time.
- Crohn's disease
- A type of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive tract from mouth to anus, with patchy inflammation.
E
- Endoscopy
- A family of procedures that use a camera on a flexible tube to look inside the digestive tract. Upper endoscopy views the esophagus and stomach; colonoscopy views the colon.
F
- FODMAP
- Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. Some patients explore low-FODMAP patterns for symptom relief under dietitian guidance, not as a substitute for IBD treatment.
- Flare
- A period when IBD symptoms worsen or inflammation becomes more active. Treatment may include medication changes, nutrition adjustments, and closer monitoring.
I
- IBD
- Inflammatory bowel disease. A group of conditions, mainly Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, involving chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
- IBS
- Irritable bowel syndrome. A functional disorder without the same visible inflammatory damage as IBD. Some people have symptoms of both; only your clinician can clarify your diagnosis.
- Immunomodulator
- A medication that broadly adjusts immune activity. Examples in IBD care include azathioprine and methotrexate, used under close lab monitoring.
- Infusion
- Delivery of medication into a vein, often used for certain biologics. Infusion centers coordinate scheduling, monitoring, and insurance authorization.
J
- J-pouch
- A surgical reconstruction after colectomy in some ulcerative colitis patients. The small intestine is formed into a pouch connected to the anus. Requires specialized surgical follow-up.
L
- Low-residue diet
- A temporary eating pattern that limits fiber and some roughage to reduce stool volume during flares or before procedures. Not meant as a long-term default for everyone.
M
- Mesalamine
- An anti-inflammatory medication used mainly in ulcerative colitis and sometimes Crohn's disease involving the colon. Available in pills, enemas, and suppositories.
O
- Ostomy
- A surgically created opening (stoma) that diverts stool to an external pouch. May be temporary or permanent depending on the operation and healing.
P
- Insurance review required before covering certain medications, especially biologics. Clinics and pharmacies often help with paperwork.
R
- Remission
- A period when inflammation and symptoms are reduced or absent. Goals and definitions vary; your GI team measures activity with symptoms, labs, and sometimes scopes.
- Resection
- Surgical removal of a diseased segment of bowel. Some Crohn's patients need repeat surgeries over time; others never need surgery.
S
- Section 504 plan
- A U.S. school accommodation plan for students with disabilities, including many with IBD. Can document bathroom access, flexible attendance, and medication storage.
- Small bowel
- The part of the intestine between the stomach and colon, where much nutrient absorption happens. Often affected in Crohn's disease.
- Steroids
- Anti-inflammatory medications such as prednisone or budesonide used short term to calm flares. Long-term use has significant side effects, so teams taper when possible.
T
- TNF inhibitor
- A class of biologics that block tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a protein involved in inflammation. Examples include infliximab and adalimumab.
U
- Ulcerative colitis
- A type of IBD that primarily involves the colon and rectum with continuous inflammation of the inner lining.
- Urgency
- A sudden, strong need to have a bowel movement. Common in active colitis and discussed in school and workplace accommodation planning.
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Educational only. Not medical advice. Verify organization details before you rely on them.