Glossary

Abscess

An accumulation of pus in a cavity formed in an area of infection or inflammation.

Anaemia

A decrease in Red Blood Cells or Haemoglobin in the blood.

Fistulas

An unusual joining together of two vessels that are lined with epithelium.

Inflammation (chronic)

A release of vasodilators to the surrounding tissue, causing swelling. In chronic (prolonged) inflammation constant cell death and cell growth causes the type of cells in the area of inflammation to change over time.

Irritable bowel syndrome

A combination of several symptoms; bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation and general bowel discomfort.

Relapse

A reoccurrance of the infection or the disease.

Remission

A period of absence of the disease.

TNF (tumour necrosis factor)

A group of cytokines that can cause cell death.

Ulcerative colitis

A disease of the intestine (specifically the colon); it is commonly characterized by ulcers and open sores. Sufferers also experience diarrhoea mixed with blood. It is often confused with irritable bowel syndrome; however ulcerative colitis is much more severe.

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