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UC GLOSSARY Speaking The Same Language

Before you speak with your doctor, it can be helpful to review some medical terms and definitions you may need when discussing your ulcerative (UC). Use this glossary tool as a handy reference as you prepare for your next appointment.

Anemia Bowel Urgency Colon It’s a condition where the body has Strong urge to have a bowel The colon, or large bowel, is a tube- fewer red blood cells than normal, movement. like connected to the small which may result in fatigue, intestine at one end and the shortness of breath, dizziness, at the other. The colon removes headache, and irregular heartbeat. Flare water, and some nutrients and electrolytes, from partially digested An flare, or flare- food. up, is the return of UC symptoms after a period of remission. Flares A colonoscopy is an exam where can involve , abdominal your gastroenterologist uses a thin, pain and cramping, rectal pain and Flexible flexible, lighted tube with an bleeding, fatigue, and urgent bowel This is a procedure where your attached camera to view your movements. gastroenterologist uses a slender, colon, and possibly to take flexible, lighted tube to examine samples. the and the last portion of (GI Tract) your colon. It’s sometimes performed in place of a full The large, muscular tube that colonoscopy. Gastrointestinal Bleeding extends from the to the Bleeding in any part of the anus, where the movement of gastrointestinal tract. muscles and the release of and help with Inflammation the of food. Also called Irritation or swelling. In UC, the Mucosa the digestive tract. symptoms a person experiences can vary, depending on how severe Mucosa is the innermost layer of the inflammation is and where it the GI tract. Mucosal surfaces are occurs in the intestine. areas in the body where absorption Rectal Bleeding happens. The inflammation of Rectal bleeding can refer to any ulcerative colitis is typically limited blood that passes from your anus. to the colonic mucosa. Tenesmus Tenesmus is the feeling of needing Rectum to pass stool even when the bowels are empty. Remission The last several inches of the large Remission is a time when your UC intestine closest to the anus. symptoms are under control or you are experiencing few to no symptoms. Stool Frequency A sore on the ’s surface or on the or intestinal lining. The normal length of time between bowel movements ranges widely depending on the person, and may also be affected by the severity of an underlying medical condition.

NEXT STEPS: Use these terms to help inform your next conversation with your doctor

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