Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea may last for only a few days, or may be a sign of something else. Find out here about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments.

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Underlying causes of diarrhoea

Diarrhoea usually occurs when fluid cannot be absorbed from your bowel contents, or when extra fluid is secreted into the bowel. Find out what causes diarrhoea.

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Diarrhoea and vomiting in children

Learn more about the causes of diarrhoea and vomiting in children, and use these handy tips to help alleviate the symptoms.

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Giardia (giardiasis)

Giardia is an infection of the bowel and gut, particularly the small intestine. Learn more about the cause and symptoms of giardia as well as prevention tips.

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Gastrointestinal illnesses

Gastrointestinal illnesses are very common. Some may last for only a day or two; others are long term. Learn here about their causes, symptoms and treatments.

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How long should you stay out of the pool after diarrhoea?

Summer's here, which means more pool time. But it's important to not go swimming in pools if infected with Cryptosporidium – a parasite that causes diarrhoea.

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Rotavirus

Rotavirus is a viral illness that causes diarrhoea and gastroenteritis. Learn more about its causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment options available.

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Cholera

Cholera is an illness that gives you severe diarrhoea and dehydration. It is most likely to be found in parts of the world with poor water and sanitary services.

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Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis (gastro) is an infection of the gut that can cause diarrhoea and vomiting. Learn here about the symptoms and how to treat them.

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Kidney disease symptoms

Kidney disease causes a range of signs and symptoms, such as anaemia, diarrhoea, itchy skin, high blood pressure and more.

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Salmonella

Salmonella is a gastrointestinal illness with fever, diarrhoea and vomiting as its main symptoms. Learn more about the causes of salmonella as well as its symptoms and treatments.

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Shigella (bowel infection)

Shigella infection is an infection of the gut that usually causes diarrhoea. You can become infected through contaminated food or water. Find out about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment by reading our page on shigella.

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Norovirus infection

Norovirus is one of several viruses that cause gastroenteritis. It’s spread easily, but good hygiene practices can help protect both you and others. Learn more.

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Campylobacter infection

Campylobacter infection (campylobacteriosis) causes gastroenteritis, but most people recover in 1 to 2 weeks with rest and fluids. Learn about the causes here.

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E. coli infection

E. coli (or escherichia coli) is a type of bacteria that causes both minor and severe illness. Learn about the symptoms, causes and treatments of E. coli here.

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Infections of the bowel

An infection of the bowel can affect anyone at any time. Learn about the symptoms of a bowel infection and how you can treat it and prevent it.

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Pesticides

Links to trusted information about pesticides, including insecticides, herbicides and fungicides, and what to do if someone has been poisoned by pesticides.

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS develops in as many as one in five Australians at some point in their lifetime. Here are the symptoms to look out for.

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Food poisoning

Food poisoning is caused by bacteria, viruses or toxins in the food we eat. Learn how to recognise it, and people at greater risk of serious complications.

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Addison's disease

Addison's disease is a condition that makes people feel very weak and tired. Learn more about its symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment.

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Crohn's disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes painful swelling and redness inside the digestive tract.

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Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a bowel disease that causes inflammation and redness in the digestive tract. There is no cure, but treatment can help.

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Cefalexin

Cefalexin is used to treat bacterial infections in various parts of the body. This page explains how cefalexin works, its risks and other treatment options available in its place.

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Bowel cancer - your diet after surgery

If you have had part of your colon removed, it is likely that your stools (faeces) will be looser because one of the functions of the colon is to absorb water from the stools. Find out about diet and bowel cancer.

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Diverticular disease - diverticulitis and diverticulosis

Diverticular disease, including diverticulitis, is linked to a low-fibre diet and more common as people age. Here's how to treat the symptoms.

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School exclusion periods

If your child has an infectious illness, you may need to keep them home to stop it spreading at day-care or school. Learn about school exclusion periods here.

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Vomiting

Vomiting in adults is usually not a sign of anything serious and tends to only last one or two days. Learn the causes and when to seek medical advice.

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Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilised egg implants itself outside the womb, usually in one of the fallopian tubes.

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Faecal incontinence

Faecal incontinence is when you experience leakage from the bowel due to poor bowel control. Up to 1 in 20 people have this condition, but there are treatments available.

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Stool changes

Although stools (faeces or poo) can vary, you should pay attention to what your stools look like. Learn more about what changes you should look out for.

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