Constipation can mean different things to different people. There is a common belief that people need to open their bowel every day, but this is not the case. Opening the bowels can vary between three times a day to three times a week in healthy individuals. You have constipation if you open your bowel less… Continue reading Constipation
Category: General
Coeliac disease
It is a condition where your immune system attacks your own gut (small intestine) when you eat gluten. Gluten is found in food such as pasta, cakes, breakfast cereals, most types of bread, certain types of sauces, and some ready meals. Eating foods that contain gluten can trigger a range of gut symptoms, such as:… Continue reading Coeliac disease
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD)
It is a break in the inner lining of the stomach, first part of the small intestine or sometimes the lower oesophagus. An ulcer in the stomach is called a gastric ulcer, while that in the first part of the intestines is a duodenal ulcer. Symptoms include: Burning stomach pain, vomiting or vomiting blood —… Continue reading Peptic ulcer disease (PUD)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
It is a common condition that affects the digestive system. It causes symptoms like stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. These tend to come and go over time, and can last for days, weeks or months at a time. There’s no test for IBS, but you might need some tests to rule out other possible… Continue reading Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Lumps
Lumps can appear anywhere on your body. Most lumps are harmless but it’s important to see a doctor if you’re worried or the lump is still there after 2 weeks. Examples of these lumps are – lipoma (soft, fatty lump that grow under your skin) – sebaceous cyst (fluid-filled or sebum-filled lump underneath the skin)… Continue reading Lumps
Diverticular disease and diverticulitis
Diverticula are small bulges or pockets that can develop in the lining of the intestine as you get older. Most people with diverticula do not get any symptoms and only know they have them after having a scan for another reason. When there are no symptoms, it is called diverticulosis. When diverticula cause symptoms, such… Continue reading Diverticular disease and diverticulitis
Pilonidal sinus disease (PNS)
It is a small hole or tunnel in the skin at the top of the buttocks, where they divide (the cleft). It does not always cause symptoms and only needs to be treated if it becomes infected. Symptoms can be acute if it gets infected and if pus starts to collect under the skin forming… Continue reading Pilonidal sinus disease (PNS)
Hernia
It is a bulge or a protrusion of an internal organ through the structure or the muscle that usually contains it. There are several types of hernia: – Inguinal hernia: This is the most common type of hernia and occur when fatty tissue or part of your bowel pokes through into your groin at the… Continue reading Hernia
Gallstones
Gallstones are small stones, usually made of cholesterol, that form in the gallbladder. In most cases, they do not cause any symptoms and do not need to be treated. However, treatment is recommended if you start developing symptoms or if they cause complications. The typical pain caused by gallstones is called biliary colic, which is… Continue reading Gallstones