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5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA)

A commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory medication medically proven to be of great value in the treatment and control of inflammatory bowel diseases, particularly Ulcerative Colitis.  It is a member of the aminosalicylate group of medications, and is also known as mesalazine.

Abdomen

The lower part of the trunk of the body, between the chest and the pelvis.  It contains many parts of the digestive system including the stomach, small and large intestine, and the liver.

Acute

A short-acting health problem of sudden or rapid onset.

Alimentary canal

The passage along which food passes for digestion, also known as the gastrointestinal tract. It includes the mouth, stomach, small intestine and large intestine (colon and rectum – also called the gut).

Anus

The opening at the lower end of the intestine through which the solid or sometimes fluid (diarrhoea) waste from digested food is excreted as faeces.

Anti-inflammatory

Tending to alleviate or prevent inflammation.

Beta-blocker

A class of medication used to lower blood pressure and prevent variceal bleeding in cirrhosis.

Bile

A thick, bitter, greenish-brown fluid secreted by the liver and used to aid the digestion and absorption of food, particularly fats. 

Bile duct

The channel that carries bile from the liver and gall bladder to the duodenum.

Bowel

The lower part of the digestive system consisting of the small and large intestine, also known as the gut.  It extends from the stomach to the anus. 

Cava system

One of two main venous blood vessel systems returning blood to the heart.

Chronic

Long-lasting and enduring.

Cirrhosis

A condition where damaged normal tissue is replaced with fibrous tissue (similar to scar tissue).

Colectomy

Surgical removal of the whole colon.

Colon

The large intestine.

Colonoscopy

A method of examining the interior of the colon using an endoscope accessing through the rectum.

Colo-rectal

Pertaining to the colon and rectum.

Compliance

The extent to which a patient follows the recommendations of a doctor or healthcare professional, particularly with respect to medication or other treatments.

Corticosteroids

Hormones produced by the adrenal gland.  Term also used for synthetic steroids.

Crohn's Disease

A chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract.  The inflammation of Chron's Disease can develop at any point along the entire gastrointestinal tract, but is mainly found in the small intestine and / or the large intestine.

Duodenum

The first part of the small intestine immediately beyond the stomach.

Endoscope

A flexible fibre optic tube with a light and magnifying lenses used for viewing internal cavities of the body.

Enzyme

A protein that acts as a catalyst for biological or metabolic processes.

Extraintestinal symptoms

Symptoms from other organ systems than the gut.

Fibroses

Formation of connective tissue which makes the gut inelastic and less well functioning.

Gastric juices

The fluids secreted by the inner cells of the stomach to aid digestion of food.  It is acidic in nature and contains two enzymes.

Gastrointestinal tract (GIT)

The passage along which food passes for digestion, also known as the alimentary canal.

Gland

A collection of cells or an organ with a specialised ability to produce essential substances (enzymes and hormones) necessary for the normal functioning of biological processes.

GLYPRESSIN

Ferring’s terlipressin preparation indicated for the treatment of gastrointestinal haemorrhages by Oesophageal Variceal Bleeding and type 1 hepatorenal syndrome.

Gullet

The section of the gastrointestinal tract from the throat to the stomach.  Also known as the oesophagus.

Gut

The lower part of the digestive tract relating to the small and large intestines or bowel.

Haemorrhage

Escape of blood from blood vessels, normally due to injury.  The bleeding may be internal or external.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)

Chronic inflammation of the bowel common to a group of conditions that includes Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. The conditions cycle through periods of activity and remission.  Periods of inflammatory activity cause diarrhoea, pain, bloody stools and poor absorption of nutrients.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A disorder of the intestine that affects motility and causes abdominal pain, bloating and irregular bowel movements (constipation and / or diarrhoea).  Used to be known in the past as spastic colon or colitis and irritable colon.  It should not be confused with Irritable Bowel Disease but sometimes may be diagnosed simultaneously with IBD.

Large intestine

The lower part of the gastrointestinal tract consisting of the colon and rectum.

Liver

The body's largest gland providing numerous functions, producing hormones and enzymes relating to metabolism and detoxification. Synthesises substances involved in clotting of the blood.

Liver cirrhosis

Disease of the liver caused by chronic damage, where the normal cells are replaced with fibrous, scar tissue.  The damaged cells are unable to function properly placing additional strain on the remaining healthy cells. Often seen after long-term alcohol exposure or liver infections.

Intestine

The alimentary canal beyond and below the stomach.  It is divided into two main parts, the small and large intestine. 

Maintenance treatment

Long-term treatment designed to keep a disease process under control.

Mesalazine

An aminosalicylate medication (see 5-ASA) used for the treatment of mild to moderate IBD and maintenance of remission.

Mucosa

A term for mucous membrane – the lubricating lining of many of the body's hollow organs.

Oesophagus

The section of the gastrointestinal tract from the throat to the stomach.  Also known as the gullet.

Pancreas

The gland behind and below the stomach that secretes insulin and digestive enzymes.

PENTASA

Ferring's mesalazine product indicated for the treatment of  Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Proctitis, Ulcerative Proctosigmoiditis and left-sided colitis.

Portal hypertension

Increased blood pressure in the portal vein.

Portal vein

The main vein carrying blood into the liver from the intestine.

Rectum

The final part of the alimentary canal where waste is stored before being eliminated.

Remission

Disappearance or reduction in the severity of symptoms of a disease.

Shunt

A passage connecting two anatomical channels, diverting blood or other fluids from one to another.

Small intestine

The first section of the intestine lying beyond the stomach.

Splanchnic

Anything belonging to the internal organs of the body, as opposed to its framework.

Spleen

An abdominal organ that produces cells involved in immune response.

Stenosis

An unnatural narrowing in any passage or orifice of the body.

Stricture

A narrowing in any of the natural passages of the body, such as the oesophagus or bowel.  It is most often the result of previous ulceration on the inner surface of the passage, followed by contraction of the scar tissue.

Ulcer

Destruction of the surface of the skin or mucous membrane resulting in an open sore.

Ulcerative Colitis

A chronic inflammatory condition of the mucosa of the alimentary canal.  A form of long-term Inflammatory Bowel Disease.  The inflammation of Ulcerative Colitis is found in the large intestine (colon and / or rectum).

Varices

Multiple varicose veins.

Varix

Single varicose vein – budding of the vein due to high intraluminal pressure.

Varicose vein

Superficial veins that are distended, lengthened and twisted.  They can occur in almost any part of the body.  Complications of inflammation, ulceration and haemorrhaging can occur.

Vasoconstriction

Narrowing of blood vessels.  This reduces the amount of blood flowing to that part of the body.

Vasoconstrictor

An agent that causes constriction of blood vessels.  This reduces local blood flow to an area, and temporarily raises blood pressure.

Villi

Minute finger-like processes that line the inner surface of the small intestine.  This structure assists in the absorption of digested food.