胃肠道疾病

What is a bowel polyp? A bowel polyp is an abnormal growth on the inside of the large bowel. Approximately 50% of Australian are likely to develop a polyp, and most are undetected as polyps rarely produce symptoms.  There are different types of polyps: Serrated polyps: hyperplastic polyps (HP), sessile...

What is it? Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease. It happens when the immune system reacts badly to gluten. Gluten is found in wheat, rye, and barley. People with coeliac disease cannot eat anything with gluten in it. Eating gluten can cause long term gut issues. Coeliac disease is not the...

What is constipation? Constipation is when you find it hard to empty your bowel (have a bowel movement). It will often be diagnosed when you have fewer than 2 bowel movements in a week. For adults, it is often due to not moving enough, not drinking enough water, and not...

What is gastroenteritis? Gastroenteritis (gastro) is a common condition which affects the gut. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and sickness. It is caused by an infection and often begins without warning.  It is not usually serious, but it can lead to dehydration.  Gastro can usually be treated at home....

What is indigestion and reflux? When you chew and swallow food, it is pushed down into the stomach by different muscles. Sometimes, the contents of your stomach go back up through the muscles and into the esophagus. This is called reflux. It feels like a burning sensation in your chest....

What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)? Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the name for two conditions. They are both caused by a problem with your immune system. Both conditions make the bowel inflamed. Ulcerative colitis: This only affects your large bowel (colon and/or rectum). Inflammation is only on the top...

What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is when your gut is irritated. Around one in five Australian experience IBS at some time in their life. Symptoms of IBS include: Tummy pain Bloating Mucus in your poo Diarrhoea Constipation There isn't one cause of IBS. Each person...

What is splenomegaly? The spleen is on the left side of the belly. It filters the blood and removes abnormal cells, such as old and damaged red blood cells. It also makes white blood cells and antibodies to help you fight infection. Splenomegaly is when the spleen is larger than...

What is a vitamin B12 deficiency? Vitamin B12 deficiency means you don’t have enough vitamin B12 in your body. Our bodies need vitamin B12 to keep your blood and nerve cells healthy. Not having enough vitamin B12 in your body can make you feel tired or weak. Your body does...