Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Malabsorption syndromes

Malabsorption syndrome refers to several disorders that affect someone’s ability to absorb nutrients from their food. Learn more about common disorders below.

Bowel infections

Bowel or gastrointestinal infections can affect anyone. Learn about the causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of different bowel infections.

Wheat field - A gluten free diet can help manage coeliac disease or gluten intolerance.

Coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes damage to the lining of the small bowel. It can be treated with a gluten-free diet.

Crohn's disease usually first appears in people aged 15 to 30.

Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Find out what causes Crohn’s disease, and about the symptoms and treatment.

Image of young child who has cystic fibrosis (CF).

Cystic fibrosis (CF)

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that affects your lungs and digestive system. Learn more about what causes CF and how it is treated.

Giardiasis (giardia)

Giardiasis is an infection of the small intestine with the parasite giardia. Learn about cause, symptoms, treatment and prevention of giardiasis.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can impact your quality of life. Learn about causes, treatment and when to see a doctor.

Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, or milk sugar. Learn more about treatment, symptoms and tests for lactose intolerance.

Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis appears as sudden, severe upper abdominal (tummy) pain, that may spread to your back. Read about symptoms and treatment.

Ulcerative colitis can cause abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, and blood and mucus in the stools.

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Read all about the symptoms of UC, when to see your doctor and types of treatments.

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

© 2024 Healthdirect Australia Limited