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Digestive health

Stretching from your head to your bottom, the digestive system (made up of the gut, bowel and stomach) breaks down all that delicious food and drink, absorbing the useful nutrients and energy, whilst getting rid of the waste. It's a complex system that comes with various health concerns, from simple problems like constipation to disorders which may be lifelong, such as Crohn's disease.

Digestive Health

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irritable bowel

Signs and symptoms

Trapped wind, gas and bloating

by Dr Hayley Willacy, FRCGP

healthy living food

Digestive health

Irritable bowel syndrome

by Dr Rachel Hudson, MRCGP

Gastroenteritis

Digestive health

Gastroenteritis

by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP

Person in cream outfit stood in front of a toilet holding small round cactus behind their bottom.

Digestive health

Piles

by Dr Toni Hazell, FRCGP

Abdominal pain

Abdominal discomfort has a wide variety of causes, ranging from mild indigestion or trapped wind to more serious issues. The stomach ache is typically related to digestion, but it can be caused by inflammation, infection, or disease.

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Anal and rectal conditions

Anal and rectal problems are common and usually treatable. Key issues include haemorrhoids, anal fissures, abscesses, and pruritus ani. Common symptoms are bleeding, pain, lumps, or discharge.

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Bowel conditions

Bowel conditions encompass a range of conditions affecting the digestive tract. While often linked to diet, stress, or minor infections, chronic issues may signal underlying conditions.

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Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is most commonly caused by gastrointestinal infections from viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Other common triggers include food poisoning, certain medications, food intolerances, and chronic digestive conditions.

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Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is inflammation of the stomach and intestines, commonly triggered by viral or bacterial infections. It typically spreads through contaminated food, water, or close person-to-person contact.

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Gastrointestinal cancers

Cancers can develop anywhere along the digestive tract. Learn about symptoms of bowel, stomach, liver and pancreatic cancers and the latest treatments available.

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Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by viral infections (types A, B, C, D, and E) but also triggered by heavy alcohol use, toxins, or autoimmune conditions.

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Indigestion and heartburn

Indigestion and heartburn often occur together. Indigestion is a general discomfort in the upper abdomen causing bloating and nausea, while heartburn is a burning chest pain caused by stomach acid irritating the oesophagus.

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Liver and gallbladder

Liver and gallbladder problems are closely connected, as the liver produces bile that the gallbladder stores and concentrates. Common signs of both conditions include nausea, vomiting, fever, dark urine, and pale stools.

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Other digestive conditions

Not all digestive conditions fit neatly into a box. Explore other digestive problems and when to seek advice if symptoms persist.

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