Health > Digestive Systems

Peritonitis - Better Health Channel.

Better Health — Peritonitis is inflammation of the membranes of the abdominal wall and organs. Peritonitis may be caused by the rupture of infected organs such as the appendix or bowel. Symptoms include strong abdominal (stomach) pain. Peritonitis is life ...More…

Pancreatitis explained

Better Health — Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which can be either acute or chronic. Alcoholics are most at risk of developing pancreatitis. Treatment options include abstaining from alcohol, fasting until the inflammation subsides, medication and ...More…

Neuronal intestinal dysplasia

Better Health — Neuronal intestinal dysplasia (NID) is characterised by the unusually slow passage of waste through the large intestine, which leads to chronic problems such as constipation and uncontrollable soiling. The cause is abnormalities of nerves that ...More…

Hernias explained

Better Health — A hernia is the protrusion of organs, such as intestines, through a weakened section of the abdominal wall. The most common site is the groin. The only effective treatment is surgical repair. A strangulated hernia can cause nausea, vomiting and ...More…

Gallstones

Better Health — Gallstones are small stones, made from cholesterol, bile pigment and calcium salts, which form in the gall bladder. Medical treatment may not be necessary unless the gallstones present symptoms. Symptoms may include pain in the abdomen and back, ...More…

Gall bladder removal

Better Health — Surgical removal of the gall bladder (cholecystectomy) is recommended if gallstones (or other types of gall bladder disease) are causing problems. Techniques include laparoscopic ('keyhole') cholecystectomy or open surgery. The gall bladder is ...More…

Food poisoning - listeria

Better Health — Listeria is an illness caused by eating foods contaminated by the bacteria Listeria Monocytogenes. Listeria infection can be dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly and people whose immune systems are not working properly. High risk foods ...More…

Cystic fibrosis - Better Health Channel.

Better Health — Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life threatening genetic disorder. It severely affects the lungs and digestive system. There is currently no cure; however, with improved medication and treatment to manage symptoms, life expectancy has been extended ...More…

Birth defects - the abdomen

Better Health — Birth defects of the abdomen include diaphragmatic hernia (organs protrude into the chest cavity), exomphalos (organs protrude through the navel) and gastroschisis (organs protrude through the abdominal wall). The organs of the digestive system - ...More…

Birth defects - digestive tract

Better Health — Birth defects of the digestive tract include oesophageal atresia (obstruction of the oesophagus) and imperforate anus (malformations of the anus). Most babies born with oesophageal atresia also have tracheo-oesophageal fistula, which means the ...More…

Barrett's oesophagus

Better Health — People who experience persistent heartburn are at risk of developing Barrett's oesophagus. The chronic reflux of gastric juices causes changes in the cell lining of the lower oesophagus, which can sometimes turn cancerous. Treatment includes ...More…

Appendicitis - Better Health Channel.

Better Health — Appendicitis means inflammation of the appendix. Symptoms may include pain, vomiting, nausea and constipation. Appendicitis is a medical emergency. The appendix is a thin tail, tube or appendage growing out of the caecum, which is part of the ...More…