What is …? — Glossary
Plain-language definitions of the ostomy and IBD terms you meet in reports, appointments, and forums. Sourced, not medical advice.
Diseases & core concepts
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a long-term inflammatory bowel disease that can inflame any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, though it most often affects the end of the small intestine. The inflammation can reach through the full thickness of the bowel wall and tends to appear in patches, with healthy tissue in between.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term for long-term conditions that cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Its two main forms are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. IBD is not the same as IBS: IBD involves real inflammation and tissue damage, while IBS does not.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common, long-term disorder of how the gut and brain work together. It causes symptoms like cramping, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation, but unlike inflammatory bowel disease it does not inflame or damage the bowel, and it does not raise the risk of bowel cancer.
Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a long-term inflammatory bowel disease in which the lining of the colon and rectum (the large intestine) becomes inflamed and develops small open sores called ulcers. It usually follows a relapsing pattern of flare-ups and calmer periods called remission.