This section provides some helpful introductory information on various conditions affecting the gut and the liver. For more detailed information contact Auckland gastroenterology Associates for a consultation and we will provide information much more pertinent to your particular problem.
Health Conditions
Abdominal Bloating and Gas
This seemingly simple symptom is actually quite complicated and not well understood.
Abdominal pain
Sorting out abdominal pain is often a challenge for the doctor and patient. No amount of reading material can give an accurate self-diagnosis.
Abnormal Liver Tests
The term “liver function tests” (LFTs) is a commonly used term applied to a variety of blood tests that reflect the general state of the liver and biliary system.
Blood in the Stool
Rectal bleeding is a very common symptom, is often self limiting and not reported to doctors. Persistent rectal bleeding can indicate significant gastrointestinal disease and further evaluation may be indicated.
Bowel Habit Changes – Constipation/Diarrhoea
There are many reasons why bowel habits may change. Diarrhoea is commonly due to infections (often food poisoning) and gets better in a few days.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is the term used to describe a diseased liver that has been severely damaged, usually due to many years of injury.
Coeliac Disease
Coeliac disease is a condition in which the lining of the small intestine is abnormal but improves once gluten is removed from the diet.
Colon Cancer & Polyps
Bowel cancer is the second second most common cancer in men and women in New Zealand. Each year about 2800 people in New Zealand are diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Crohns Disease
There are two types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease. In these conditions the immune system attacks the lining of the colon causing inflammation and ulceration, bleeding and diarrhoea.
Fatty Liver
Fatty liver is not a liver disease as such. It simply means there is more fat in the liver than normal. A person with a fatty liver is not necessarily ill.
FODMAP Diet
Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols (FODMAPs) are found in many of the food we eat.
Food Allergies & Intolerances
Many people think they have food allergies, but may in fact have a food intolerance.
Gallstones
Gallstones are a common condition and generally present with symptoms of pain and/or jaundice.
Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
Gastro-Oesophageal reflux, movement of stomach contents into the oesophagus (food-pipe), is a normal event that particularly occurs following meals.
Haemochromatosis
Haemochromatosis is a hereditary disorder of iron regulation in which excess iron is absorbed from the intestinal tract.
Haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swellings that develop from three pads or cushions of tissue that line the anal canal or back passage.
Heartburn
Heartburn is very common. It is a feeling of discomfort or burning or even pain felt rising up from the lower chest into the neck.
Helicobacter Pylori
Heliobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium (germ) that lives in the stomach.
Hiatus Hernia
Many patients with heartburn also have a hiatus hernia (also known as hiatal hernia), which is when the stomach rides up into the chest, through an expanded space in the diaphragm, usually just occupied by the oesophagus.
Indigestion
The term indigestion is used to describe chronic or recurrent upper abdominal pain, or feeling full earlier than expected when eating.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
There are two types of IBD, ulcerative colitis and Chrons disease. In these conditions, the immune system attacks the lining of the colon causing inflammation and ulceration, bleeding and diarrhoea.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disturbance of bowel motility that results in intermittent and recurrent pain/discomfort and altered bowel habit.
Lactase Deficiency (Lactose Intolerance)
Lactase deficiency results in the inability to digest lactose. Lactose is a type of suagr found in milk and other dairy products.
Peptic Ulcers
Peptic ulcers are sores or eroded areas that form in the lining of the digestive tract.
Ulcerative Colitis
There are two types of IBD, ulcerative colitis and Chrons disease. In these conditions, the immune system attacks the lining of the colon causing inflammation and ulceration, bleeding and diarrhoea.
