Gallstones are a common health issue affecting millions worldwide. Many people diagnosed with gallstones wonder if surgery is necessary or if other treatments can manage the condition effectively. Understanding when surgery is required and exploring alternative options can help you make informed decisions about your health. What Are Gallstones and How Do They Affect You? Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ located under the liver. Thes

Dietary fiber , also known as roughage , includes the parts of plant foods your body can’t digest or absorb. Unlike other food components, such as fats, proteins, or carbohydrates — which your body breaks down and absorbs — fiber isn’t digested by your body . Fiber is however an important source of food for our gut bacteria (microbiome). Sources of fiber include: Whole grains : Oats, brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat. Legumes : Split peas, lentils, and beans. Vegetables : B

The lining of the large intestine makes a natural lubricant called mucus. It is similar to the mucus in the nose when you have a cold....

Participation in bowel cancer screening In 2019–2020, based on preliminary data: 6.1 million people aged 50–74 were invited to...

Stat 1. Non-invitees had a 7% higher risk of death from any cause, compared with NBCSP invitees Stat 2. Bowel cancers in non-invitees had...

Bowel cancer consistently ranks in the top 5 cancers leading to death. More than 5000 Australians die from bowel cancer each year. The...

Have smaller meal sizes and avoid eating/drinking too close to bedtime Keep a healthy weight Avoid tobacco, alcohol and excessive...

Faecal calprotectin is a faeces based test. Calprotectin is a chemical released into the faeces from white blood cells within the lining...

Do you experience intermittent discomfort/pain around your bottom area? The discomfort can come on at any time. Sometimes, it can be so...

Hiatus hernia is actually a medical misnomer because it is not a "true" hernia. Let's begin with the normal anatomy of the stomach. The...

Let's begin by discussing what "endoscopy" is. Endoscopy is made up of "endon" which means inside (in Greek) and "scopein" which means watch (in Greek). Modern-day endoscopy involves the use of endoscopes (long tubes) attached to a processor/computer. The endoscopes can have various channels to allow light, air, water, and instruments to pass in and out. These instruments can be inserted into many parts of the body including the nose, mouth, trachea, urethra, and rectum. Endo

All of these are forms of mesalazine (mesalamine). Mesalazine is used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. It may be taken per oral (mouth) or per rectum (bottom). The dosages may vary depending on the formulation and how you take it. In patients who respond, the clinical improvement can be dramatic. Speak to your doctor/specialist if you have further questions.

Over the last 10-20 years, we have seen an increase in the number of agents available to treat autoimmune conditions (including...

Due to changing food trends and preferences, most of us are not getting enough fibre in our day to day lives. Fibre may be soluble or...

Crohn's disease is an autoimmune disease that can affect different parts of gastrointestinal tract. It can cause inflammation and...

Coeliac disease is a chronic autoimmune digestive disease that affects up to 1 in 70 Australian. It is the result of a body's abnormal...

Diverticulitis is when a diverticulum becomes inflamed or infected. Diverticulosis is when small pouches form in the lining of the...

Flatulence is something that affects us all at some point in our lives. On average, men break wind up to 12 times per day, women up to 7...

Azathioprine (commonly sold under the brand Imuran) is a strong immunosuppressant (suppresses the immune system). It was developed the...