20 guides
Digestive
Stomach, bowel, liver, gallbladder, reflux, and gut health guides.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis usually causes tummy pain that gets worse and needs urgent hospital treatment. Learn the warning signs, how it is diagnosed, and what recovery after surgery can look like.
DigestiveCeliac disease
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition in which eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, triggers an immune reaction that damages the.
DigestiveColon cancer
Colorectal (colon and rectal) cancer is cancer of the large intestine. Most begin as small, non-cancerous polyps that grow on the inner lining of the colon.
DigestiveConstipation
Constipation means having fewer bowel movements than usual, typically less than 3 per week, with stools that are hard, dry, and difficult to pass. It is.
DigestiveDiarrhea
Diarrhoea is often caused by a stomach bug and usually settles within a few days. Learn how to prevent dehydration and when symptoms need medical advice.
DigestiveDiverticulitis
Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches (diverticula) that can form in the wall of the colon become inflamed or infected. Most people with diverticula.
DigestiveFood poisoning
Food poisoning is usually short-lived and gets better at home with fluids and rest. Learn the common symptoms, how to avoid dehydration, and when blood, severe pain, or persistent vomiting need medical help.
DigestiveGallstones
Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that form in the gallbladder. Most are made of cholesterol. Many people have gallstones without.
DigestiveGERD
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD, also spelled GORD in the UK) is a chronic condition where stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus, causing.
DigestiveGut microbiome imbalance
The gut microbiome is the vast community of trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live in the digestive tract. A healthy, diverse microbiome.
DigestiveHemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids, also called piles, can cause itching, discomfort, and bright red bleeding after a poo. Learn which self-care steps help and when bleeding needs checking.
DigestiveHepatitis
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by viral infection (hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E). It can also result from alcohol, medications.
DigestiveHernia
A hernia occurs when an internal organ or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. The most common types.
DigestiveHiccups
Hiccups are involuntary spasms of the diaphragm, immediately followed by sudden closure of the vocal cords, producing the characteristic sound. Most bouts.
DigestiveIBD
Inflammatory bowel disease is a term covering two chronic conditions: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both cause persistent inflammation of the.
DigestiveIBS
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common gut disorder causing recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort linked to bowel habit changes, without structural or.
DigestiveLactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is the inability to fully digest lactose, the main sugar in milk and dairy products, because of insufficient lactase enzyme production.
DigestivePancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly and usually resolves with treatment, though severe cases can be.
DigestiveStomach flu
Stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis) is inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a virus. Despite the name, it is not related to influenza. It.
DigestiveUlcer
Peptic ulcers are sores on the inner lining of the stomach (gastric ulcers) or the first part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers). They develop when.