Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in which the lining of the large intestine (colon or bowel) and the rectum becomes inflamed. This inflammation produces tiny sores or ulcers within the lining of the colon. It usually begins in the rectum and spreads upward. It rarely affects the small intestine beyond the lower portion.

Discover the terms people use to talk about IBD and ulcerative colitis.

A disease in which the body produces antibodies that attack its own healthy cells and tissues

Probiotic that may be helpful in easing IBS and IBD symptoms. Found in some dairy products.

Test that indirectly measures the degree of inflammation in the body

Abnormal connection or tunnel between an organ, vessel, or intestine and another structure, often resulting in pain, discomfort, and infection

A procedure that removes a sample of tissue to find out more about a disease or condition

Group of medications used to treat inflammation of the gut or inflammatory bowel disease. Also commonly used to treat and prevent UC flare-ups.

Slang term to describe gas that backs up in a stoma pouch and causes it to expand

A second or renewed colonization of bacteria sometimes used to manage the symptoms of colitis

X-ray exam that can help a doctor detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine

Pressure from gas that builds up in the stomach and intestines, intermittently expanding the abdomen

Term for squeezing the rectum together to avoid leakage

Serious inflammatory condition that can affect the entire digestive tract, from mouth to anus. Symptoms include diarrhea, cramping, bloody stools, and ulcers.

Someone who has Crohn’s disease

Partial or total removal of the large bowel through surgery

The last major portion of the intestinal tract. Also known as the large intestine.

Exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum. A tiny video camera attached to a long, flexible, lighted tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon.

Imaging that combines a series of X-ray views taken from different angles with computer processing to create cross-sectional images of the bones and soft tissues inside your body

Difficulty or trouble in emptying the bowels, often a result of hardened feces

Usually associated with a prostate exam for men. It can also be used when examining the rectum to feel for signs of hemorrhoids, polyps, or tumors.

Term to describe those forms of UC involving the rectum and colon up to the mid portion of the descending colon, otherwise known as the left colon

Common condition of the digestive system that causes inflammation and infection of a small outpouching of the colon, called a diverticulum. When not inflamed, the condition is known as diverticulosis.

Term for an outpouching, or a hollow or a fluid-filled structure of an organ

Exam in which a healthcare provider looks within the digestive tract using an endoscope, or a lighted instrument with a camera. It can help a doctor evaluate, diagnose, and treat certain conditions inside of the digestive system.

Sudden appearance or worsening of a condition’s or disease’s symptoms

Procedure that allows your doctor to examine the inside of the rectum and the lower colon using a lighted camera

Large organ system, going from the mouth to the anus, that’s responsible for consumption, digestion, absorption of nutrients, and expulsion of waste

Swollen and inflamed veins within the rectum and around the anus. When aggravated, they are painful and itchy and may also bleed.

Slang term for passing gas with solid waste. See also “shart.”

Open sore

Form of UC in which bowel inflammation is limited to the rectum

Formation or development of an ulcer

A life-threatening complication associated with IBD. Toxic megacolon is a sudden dilation (widening) of the large intestine, making it ineffective as an organ. It requires immediate medical attention and hospitalization for treatment.

Surgical removal of the entire large bowel and rectum

Used to describe the constant feeling of needing to empty the bowel, accompanied by involuntary straining efforts, pain, and cramping with little or no fecal output. Often confused for constipation.

Series of tests done on a stool (feces) sample to help diagnose certain conditions affecting the digestive tract

The body’s defense against infectious organisms and other invaders

Another term for a colostomy bag

Swollen, irritated, or painful tissue anywhere in the body

A common alternative name for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

The S-shaped curve of the lower part of the large intestine that connects the descending colon and the rectum

Group of inflammatory diseases affecting the GI tract, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease

Slang term for passing gas with solid waste. See also “wet fart.”

Portion of the GI tract that carries food and waste from the stomach to the rectum. The intestinal tract contains both the small intestine and the large intestine (colon).

Absence of chronic disease activity within a patient

A diagnostic technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce a detailed image of the body’s soft tissue and bones

Lower section of the large intestine

Type of UC that affects the entire colon. Potentially serious complications include massive bleeding and acute dilation of the colon, which may lead to a perforation (opening) in the bowel wall.

The sudden and serious need to pass a bowl movement

Growth in the intestinal lining that can be noncancerous, precancerous, or cancerous. Your doctor might remove polyps during a colonoscopy.

Inflammation of the anus and lining of the rectum

Live bacteria and yeast that add to the good bacteria of your colon. Normally found in the body, but also found in supplements and foods like yogurt and kefir.