Digestive health
Abdominal pain
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.
Signs and symptoms
Trapped wind, gas and bloating
by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP
Digestive health
Irritable bowel syndrome
by Dr Rachel Hudson, MRCGP
Digestive health
Gastroenteritis
by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP
Digestive health
Piles
by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP
Abdominal pain
Stomach pain can range from harmless to serious. Discover common causes of abdominal discomfort and when to seek urgent medical attention.
- Abdominal pain
- Appendicitis
- Gastritis
- Left lower quadrant pain
- Left lower quadrant pain in pregnancy
- Left upper quadrant pain
- Left-side abdominal pain in children
- Mesenteric adenitis
- Recurrent abdominal pain in children
- Right lower quadrant pain
- Right lower quadrant pain in children
- Right lower quadrant pain in pregnancy
- Right upper quadrant pain
- Spleen pain
- Stomach ulcer
- Symptoms of appendicitis
Anal and rectal problems
From piles to itching and bleeding, anal and rectal issues are more common than you think. Learn the causes and treatments that can provide relief.
Bowel problems
Bowel troubles like constipation, coeliac disease or IBS can affect anyone. Learn the causes, treatment options, and how to keep your digestion on track.
- Aminosalicylates
- Antispasmodics
- Barium enema
- Bowel polyps
- Coeliac disease
- Constipation
- Constipation in children
- Crohn's disease
- Diverticula
- Duodenal ulcer
- Faecal immunochemical test
- Gastrointestinal malabsorption
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Intussusception and volvulus in children
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Laxatives
- Ulcerative colitis
Diarrhoea
Everyone has it sometimes. Discover what causes diarrhoea, how to treat it at home, and when it could signal something more serious.
Gastroenteritis
Gastro bugs can cause nausea, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. Learn about the causes, how to avoid dehydration, and when to seek medical advice.
Gastrointestinal cancers
Cancers can develop anywhere along the digestive tract. Learn about symptoms of stomach, bowel, liver and pancreatic cancers and the latest treatments available.
Indigestion and heartburn
That burning feeling after eating? Learn what causes indigestion and heartburn, how to manage symptoms, and when it might be time to see a doctor.
Liver and gallbladder
Your liver plays a vital role in filtering toxins and aiding digestion. Learn about common liver conditions, their symptoms, and how to keep your liver healthy.
In this topic:Liver and gallbladderHepatitis
Other digestive conditions
Not all tummy troubles fit neatly into a box. Explore less common digestive problems and when to seek advice if symptoms persist.
- Abdominal masses
- Acute pancreatitis
- Barrett's oesophagus
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Cyclical vomiting syndrome
- Eosinophilic oesophagitis
- Food allergy and intolerance
- Gastroparesis
- Hernia
- Hiatus hernia
- Hirschsprung's disease
- Mallory-Weiss tear
- Nausea and vomiting
- Nausea medicine
- PEG feeding tubes
- Preventing infection after splenectomy
- Stoma dietary care
- Trapped wind, gas and bloating