ILEOCOLITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Ileocolitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation that affects both the ileum and the colon. It is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that primarily affects the lower parts of the gastrointestinal tract, specifically the ileum and the colon. The ileum is the last section of the small intestine, and the colon, also known as the large intestine, is responsible for reabsorbing water and electrolytes from undigested food, forming stools.
The inflammation observed in ileocolitis causes various symptoms such as abdominal pain and cramps, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, fatigue, and in severe cases, fever. This condition is usually chronic and tends to progress in flare-ups and periods of remission. The inflammation disrupts the normal functioning of the small intestine and colon, leading to problems with digestion and absorption of nutrients.
The exact cause of ileocolitis is still unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. Certain risk factors, such as a family history of IBD, smoking, and certain medications, may increase the likelihood of developing ileocolitis.
Treatment for ileocolitis aims to reduce inflammation, control symptoms, and prevent complications. Medications including anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, and antibiotics may be prescribed. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged sections of the intestines.
Overall, ileocolitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation of both the ileum and colon, causing a range of gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Inflammation of the mucous membrane of a greater or lesser extent of both ileum and colon.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ILEOCOLITIS
- uleocolitis
- jleocolitis
- kleocolitis
- oleocolitis
- 9leocolitis
- 8leocolitis
- ikeocolitis
- ipeocolitis
- ioeocolitis
- ilwocolitis
- ilsocolitis
- ildocolitis
- ilrocolitis
- il4ocolitis
- il3ocolitis
- ileicolitis
- ilekcolitis
- ilelcolitis
- ilepcolitis
- ile0colitis
Etymology of ILEOCOLITIS
The word "ileocolitis" is derived from combining three Greek roots: "ileo-" (meaning "ileum"), "colo-" (meaning "colon"), and "-itis" (meaning "inflammation").
The term "ileum" refers to the final section of the small intestine, which connects to the colon or large intestine. The "colon" is the longest part of the large intestine, responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes from the leftover waste. Finally, the suffix "-itis" is used in medical terminology to signify inflammation or infection.
Therefore, "ileocolitis" refers to the inflammation or inflammation and infection of both the ileum and colon, typically used to describe conditions such as Crohn's disease or other types of inflammatory bowel diseases affecting these specific areas.
