LIALDA (Mesalamine) is a prescription medication prescribed to treat Crohn's disease andUlcerative Colitis. Both of these conditions fall under the termInflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). IBD is a disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Crohn's disease typically affects both the small and large intestines, while Ulcerative Colitis affects only the large intestine. People with IBD have chronicinflammationin either the large intestine or both the large and small intestines. During inflammation, cells become swollen and enlarged, causing pain and reducing the ability of these organs to absorb nutrients from food. LIALDA blocks certain chemicals that intestinal cells use to signal inflammation, including cyclooxygenase and prostaglandins. By inhibiting these chemicals, LIALDA reduces inflammation for people with IBD and helps to treat and prevent symptoms.