Malabsorption syndromes

Bowel infections

Key facts Bowel infections are caused by microorganisms (‘bugs’, or germs) in the gut, and are sometimes called gastrointestinal infections (gastroenteritis). You can get a bowel infection by consuming contaminated water or food, or by having contact with another person who has the infection. Bowel infections can be caused by viruses (such as the rotavirus), bacteria (e.g. salmonella) and parasites (e.g. giardia). You should see your doctor if symptoms are severe, you have a fever, there’s blood or mucus in you stools (poo), you have signs of dehydration or if diarrhoea has lasted more than 2 or 3 days. What

Ulcerative colitis

Key facts Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune condition — this means that it’s caused by a problem with your immune system. Symptoms can include abdominal (tummy) pain, diarrhoea and blood and mucus in your stool (poo). Treatments are available to reduce the inflammation, treat your symptoms and help prevent complications. What is ulcerative colitis? Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease. It’s sometimes referred to simply as ‘colitis’. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation in your large bowel and rectum. This can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

Pancreatitis

Key facts Pancreatitis is inflammation of your pancreas that is usually mild, but if severe, can be life threatening. In acute (sudden onset) pancreatitis you may have sudden, severe, upper abdominal (tummy) pain spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting. In chronic (ongoing) pancreatitis you may have longstanding mid-abdominal pain. The two most common causes of pancreatitis are drinking too much alcohol and having gallstones. If you have acute pancreatitis, you’ll usually need treatment in hospital, while with chronic pancreatitis you can usually stay home for treatment. What is pancreatitis? Pancreatitis is the inflammation of your pancreas. The pancreas is an

Lactose intolerance

Key facts Lactose intolerance is when you can’t break down lactose. Lactose is the main sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Lactose intolerance happens when your body does not produce enough lactase — the enzyme that breaks down lactose. If you’re lactose intolerant, you don’t need to stop eating foods with lactose in them altogether. Milk allergy isn’t the same as lactose intolerance. What is lactose intolerance? Lactose intolerance is when you can’t break down lactose. Lactose is the main sugar found in milk made by mammals. Lactose can be found in: milk including evaporated milk, milk powder,

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Key facts If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), your symptoms may include abdominal pain, a bloated stomach and irregular bowel habits. You may have chronic diarrhoea or constipation, or alternating diarrhoea and constipation. Your doctor will rule out other illnesses before diagnosing IBS. Your doctor may suggest proven treatments for IBS, including several non-medicine treatments. A dietitian can often help identify your triggers, and help you manage your symptoms. What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition where you experience symptoms related to your digestive system. This is sometimes linked to certain foods, lifestyle

Giardiasis (giardia)

Key facts Giardiasis is an infection of the small intestine, spread by hand to mouth contact with the giardia parasite from infected water or faeces. You may have no symptoms, but some people can have diarrhoea, stomach cramps and nausea that may last for months. If you have giardiasis, you should drink plenty of water. You may need to take antibiotics. You can prevent giardiasis by practicing good hygiene and boiling untreated water before drinking, for example if you travel to countries with poor water quality. What is giardiasis? Giardiasis is an infection of the small intestine caused by a

Crohn’s disease

Key facts Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Symptoms can include abdominal (tummy) pain and diarrhoea. Although there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, there are treatments available to help control the inflammation. What is Crohn’s disease? Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. It causes swelling and inflammation (redness) inside your digestive tract. This can lead to symptoms such as abdominal (tummy) pain and diarrhoea. Crohn’s disease can develop at any age, but usually first appears in people aged 15 to 30 years. Crohn’s disease is more common in people living in the Western

Coeliac disease

  Coeliac disease   What is coeliac disease? Coeliac disease (pronounced SEE-lee-ak) is an autoimmune disease. In people with coeliac disease, the lining of the small bowel is damaged by even tiny amounts of gluten. Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, barley and oats. Coeliac disease affects people of all ages and genders. It runs in families and can develop at any age from infancy to adulthood. Currently, the only available treatment is with a gluten-free diet. Early diagnosis and treatment of coeliac disease significantly reduces the risk of most complications. You should tell family who share your

CF (cystic fibrosis)

Key facts Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a disease that mostly affects your lungs and digestive system. CF is caused by a mutation (change) in a gene which is inherited (passed on) from your parents. Currently, there is no cure for CF. What is cystic fibrosis? Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that mostly affects your lungs and digestive system. It results from a change in a particular gene. CF causes you to get a lot of very thick and sticky mucus in your: lungs airways digestive system This causes problems with: digesting your food repeated lung infections, which can permanently damage your