Glossary

IBD: See Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
IBD: See Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Idiopathic: No obvious cause.
IES: See International Eosinophil Society.
IL: See Interleukin.
Ileo-Cecal Valve: A muscle valve at the connection point between the large and small intestines.
Ileostomy: A surgically created hole in the abdomen in which a part of the small intestine is brought through to the skin surface. A bag must be worn over the hole to collect bowel movements. A temporary ileostomy may be needed to allow some bowel tissue to heal after chronic inflammation has been treated.
Ileum: The last part of the small intestine, it connects the jejunum with the large intestine.
Ileus: A temporary lack of sufficient peristalsis in the intestines. Surgery, intestinal obstruction, infections, and other problems may be the cause. Symptoms typically include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, lack of bowel movements and no passing gas.
Immunoglobulin Antibodies: (Proteins produced by B cells that help recognize and bind foreign substances (antigens) to help neutralize and eliminate them. There are five major types:IgE (involved in immediate allergic reactions and defense against parasites),IgA (important for mucosal immunity at surfaces such as the GI tract, respiratory tract, and secretions like saliva and tears),IgG (the most abundant class, important for clearing infection and long-term immunity),IgM (early immune response),IgD (receptor on B cells).
Immunologist: A physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the immune system, such as inborn errors of immunity and secondary immunodeficiency.
Immunomodulator: A type of therapy that modifies the immune system to achieve disease control. Such medications are typically used in treating autoimmune diseases, cancer and organ transplant rejection.
Indigestion: An uncomfortable feeling that occurs during or after eating.
Inflammation: Swelling of a tissue. It is part of the body’s response to tissue injury, irritation or damage. It is the body’s attempt at self-protection, and this response leads to repair of the damaged tissue.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): A chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive system. Two major types of IBD are identified: Crohn's Disease, which can involve the entire gastrointestinal tract, and Ulcerative Colitis, which involves only the colon.
Institutional Review Board: A group that has been formally designated to review and monitor biomedical research involving human subjects in accordance with FDA regulations.
Interleukin (IL): One of a group of related proteins made by leukocytes (white blood cells) and other cells in the body that regulate immune responses.
International Eosinophil Society: An organization of scientists and clinicians interested in the eosinophil.
Intolerance (Dietary): A non-allergic reaction in response to the ingestion of dietary substances.
Intramucosal: Situated or occurring within a mucous membrane.
Intussusception Telescoping: The protrusion or folding of one segment of the intestine into another segment of the intestine.
IRB: See Institutional Review Board.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A functional gastrointestinal disorder without overt structural inflammation that is typified by recurrent abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and diarrhea, constipation or both.