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Stomach and bowel

Abdominal hernias in adults

An abdominal hernia is a lump that happens when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the wall of your abdomen (tummy). If an abdominal hernia is small and not causing you problems, it may not need treatment. Others may need surgery to repair them.

Anorectal abscess

An abscess is an infected collection of pus in your body. When you get one near your anus (where your poo comes out) or rectum (the last part of the bowel before the anus), it is called an anorectal abscess. You will need hospital treatment.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis happens when your appendix gets blocked and becomes inflamed. It is important to treat appendicitis immediately. If left untreated it can burst and cause serious complications.

Botulism

Botulism is a very rare but life-threatening condition that causes paralysis (muscle weakness). It is caused by bacteria found throughout the environment in soil, dust, honey and some marine environments.

Coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is a condition where your immune system attacks your own body when you eat gluten. This damages your gut (small intestine) so it is important to avoid foods and drinks containing gluten.

Constipation in adults

Constipation is a very common problem that means painful bowel motions or emptying your bowels less often than usual.

Diverticular disease and diverticulitis

Diverticular disease happens when small pouches (diverticula) form in the wall of your bowel and cause pain or changes in bowel movements. Diverticulitis is when one of these pouches becomes sore, swollen, or infected.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is a term used to describe the combination of diarrhoea, nausea (with or without vomiting), stomach pain and fever. Gastroenteritis is usually caused by an infection in the stomach and intestines. It is highly infectious, and large numbers of people can be affected in a short amount of time.

Haemorrhoids (piles)

Hemorrhoids (piles) are swollen blood vessels in or just outside your anal canal (where your poo comes out).

Heartburn and acid reflux in adults

Heartburn is a burning feeling that happens when acid leaks up from your stomach into your food pipe (oesophagus). It is also called acid reflux.

H. pylori

H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) is a type of germ (bacteria) that can infect your stomach lining. The infection can damage the protective lining of your stomach and cause inflammation.

Inflammatory bowel disease

Conditions in which your bowel (intestines) get inflamed, red and swollen. This leads to symptoms such as runny poos and stomach pain.

Intestinal failure

When a large part of the intestine is missing or does not work properly.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects your digestive system. It is often a lifelong condition, but lifestyle changes and medicine can help.

Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a digestive problem where your gut has difficulty breaking down lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in animal milks and some dairy products.

Nausea and vomiting in adults

Nausea is a sick or queasy feeling. You may have this with or without vomiting. Vomiting (or throwing up) is when you cannot keep food, or anything else in your stomach.

Norovirus

A virus that causes gastroenteritis. It is very infectious.

Pancreatic lesions

A pancreatic lesion is a type of cyst that sits on or in your pancreas. Cysts are sacs or lumps that contain fluid or other material. Most are benign (non-cancerous). But a small number have the potential to become cancerous.

Peptic ulcers

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop in the lining of your stomach or the first part of your small intestine (small bowel).

Pilonidal disease

Pilonidal disease is a chronic skin condition which happens at the base of your spine in the gap between the top of your buttocks (your natal cleft).

Yersinia

Yersiniosis is a bacterial infection that can cause acute stomach illness. It is rare in Aotearoa New Zealand. Yersiniosis is not usually serious and most people recover quickly. It is caused by infection with 'Yersinia pseudotuberculosis' or 'Yersinia enterocolitica'.

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