Digestive system
digestion digestion problems digestive disorder digestive disorders digestive complaints digestive problem digestive problems digestive system digestive tract digestive upsets stomach stomach ache stomach bug stomach bugs stoma
Information on the digestive system including fact sheets about the oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, liver, pancreas, gall bladder and related disorders.
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Adhesions may have no signs or symptoms, or they may cause pain by pulling on nerves.

Corneal transplant surgery would not be possible without generous donors and their families, who have donated corneal tissue so that others may see.

Too much amniotic fluid surrounding the baby during pregnancy (polyhydramnios) may indicate the presence of defects of the digestive tract.

Both reducible and non-reducible hernias need to be surgically repaired - this is a common operation.

Barium tests are used to examine conditions of the digestive tract such as reflux, narrowing or ulceration.

The digestive tract can be thought of as a long muscular tube with digestive organs attached along the way.

Travelling, eating and drinking go together but unfortunately, traveller's diarrhoea and other food-related illnesses can sometimes come along for the ride.

It is important to establish the cause of gastro, as different types of gastroenteritis respond to different treatments.

Campylobacteriosis is a type of gastroenteritis and is more common in children under five years of age and young adults

Most people infected with Giardia parasites do not develop symptoms but can still spread the infection to others.

You may be more prone to salmonellosis if you are elderly, have another medical condition (such as a weakened immune system) or are malnourished.

Outbreaks of shigella gastroenteritis can occur in institutional settings, particularly where children are still in nappies or adults are incontinent.

Anyone of any age can be struck by appendicitis, but it seems to be more common during childhood and adolescence.

Most cases of constipation are treated by eating a diet high in fibre, drinking more fluids, and exercising daily.

Many things can be done to manage, treat and sometimes cure incontinence and continence problems.

Irritable bowel syndrome can't be cured with medications or special diets but avoiding individual triggers can help prevent it.

Polyps are common. A polyp is a small protrusion that grows out of the membranes lining various areas of the body including the nose, intestines and lining of the uterus (endometrium).

A person with short bowel syndrome is likely to be deficient in a range of important nutrients.

A newborn with slow transit constipation may not pass meconium until 24 hours or more after being born.

A stoma is an artificially created hole (stoma) in the abdomen so that faeces can still leave the body.

Medical treatment for gallstones may not be necessary unless the gallstones cause symptoms.

Immunisation is the best protection against hepatitis A infection and it is recommended for people in high-risk groups.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can lead to serious illness or death.

In Australia, hepatitis C is most often spread through the sharing of drug injecting equipment. New all oral combination treatment has greatly improved health outcomes for people with hepatitis C.

If your baby is full-term and healthy, mild jaundice is nothing to worry about and will resolve by itself within a week or so.

The damage caused by fatty liver disease can often be halted or reversed through simple lifestyle changes.

Liver cancer can be a primary cancer that starts in the liver, or a secondary cancer that starts in another part of the body and spreads to the liver.

In Australia, hepatitis C is most often spread through the sharing of unsterile drug injecting equipment. New all oral combination treatment has greatly improved health outcomes for people with hepatitis C. It may also help prevent hepatitis C transmission to other people.

Primary biliary cirrhosis is an autoimmune condition characterised by inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts within the liver.

Symptoms of Barrett's oesophagus are similar to regular heartburn, which means many people don't seek treatment until their condition is quite advanced.

Too much amniotic fluid surrounding the baby during pregnancy (polyhydramnios) may indicate the presence of defects of the digestive tract.

Hiccups that last for days, weeks or even years may be symptomatic of underlying disease.

Food inside the stomach is only kept there by the force of gravity so to avoid heartburn, don't lie down after a big meal.

Reflux is common in babies and causes no pain or problems with weight gain in most babies.

Diabetes and the build-up of glucose (sugar) in the blood can cause serious complications if left untreated.

Type 1 diabetes can affect anyone of any age, but is more common in people under 30 years.

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which can be either acute or chronic

Around half of cases of anal fissures heal by themselves with proper self-care and avoidance of constipation.

Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum turns itself inside out and comes out through the anus.

When people with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) are not experiencing a flare-up of their illness, they feel quite well and are often free of symptoms.

Most people infected with Giardia parasites do not develop symptoms but can still spread the infection to others.

You may be more prone to salmonellosis if you are elderly, have another medical condition (such as a weakened immune system) or are malnourished.

Outbreaks of shigella gastroenteritis can occur in institutional settings, particularly where children are still in nappies or adults are incontinent.

Gastroenteritis is common in young children and spreads easily. See your doctor if your child is vomiting often, not drinking, showing signs of dehydration or has blood in their poo.

Irritable bowel syndrome can't be cured with medications or special diets but avoiding individual triggers can help prevent it.

People in contact with tropical fish and reptiles such as turtles, lizards and snakes may be at risk of infections and illness due to germs (such as bacteria, viruses and parasites) carried on the animals.

Rotavirus is a common cause of viral gastroenteritis for Australian babies and preschool children.

The risk of traveller's diarrhoea is higher where sanitation and hygiene standards are poor.

The type of pain felt in the abdomen can vary greatly.

Children may feel stomach pain for a range of reasons and may need treatment.

Gastritis, inflammation of the stomach lining, may be caused by many factors including infection, alcohol, particular medications and some allergic and immune conditions.

Both reducible and non-reducible hernias need to be surgically repaired - this is a common operation.

Peritonitis is a life-threatening emergency that needs prompt medical treatment.

The symptoms of stomach cancer are usually vague and can be common to other medical conditions.