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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What your poo (stool) says about your health

Your poo can give clues about your diet, fluid intake, medication use and lifestyle. Shape, colour and texture all counts. Learn more.

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Stool tests

Stool tests are commonly used to check for possible bowel cancer and causes of gastrointestinal illness. Read more about stool testing and results.

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Rectal bleeding

Rectal bleeding should be investigated by a health professional. You can learn more about the symptoms and causes of rectal bleeding here.

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Blood in stool

Blood in your stool can indicate a more serious problem. If you see blood after a bowel movement, make sure you get it checked out. Find out more here.

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Rectal diseases

Rectal problems include haemorrhoids, fissures, abscesses and incontinence.

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Polio (poliomyelitis)

Polio is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause paralysis and death. Learn about symptoms, treatment, and how vaccines prevent polio.

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Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a very common disease caused by a parasite that usually has no symptoms. Learn more about the causes and prevention options.

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Tapeworm infection

Tapeworm infections happen when you drink contaminated water or eat undercooked meat from infected animals. Learn about symptoms and treatments here.

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Cholera

Cholera is an illness that gives you severe diarrhoea and dehydration. It’s mostly found in parts of the world with poor water and sanitation.

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Cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis is a bowel infection caused by a parasite called cryptosporidium. Learn more about symptoms and when to see a doctor here.

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Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome is a rare, life-threatening illness where your kidneys stop working properly, most common in children under 5 years.

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Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common viral illness mainly affecting children under 10 years old but sometimes affecting older children and adults.

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Typhoid and paratyphoid

Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are diseases that are common in developing nations. Learn more about the causes, symptoms and treatment for typhoid.

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Giardiasis (giardia)

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

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How to stay healthy and safe during Australia's mouse plague

Rodent-borne illnesses such as leptospirosis can be serious. Know how to arm yourself against diseases and get mental health support during a mouse plague.

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Bowel obstruction

Bowel obstruction can cause serious health problems. If you have a bowel obstruction, you will usually need immediate treatment in hospital.

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Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis (‘gastro’) is an infection of the gut that can cause diarrhoea and vomiting. Learn here about gastro treatment and symptoms.

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Parechovirus

Parechovirus usually has mild or no symptoms. It can cause serious illness in babies and young children. Good hygiene helps stop the virus’ spread.

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Bowel infections

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

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Dust mites

Dust mites are tiny creatures that live in your house, feeding on dust. Learn more about what you can do if they trigger allergy symptoms.

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Colostomy

A colostomy is a surgery. It brings part of your colon (bowel) to the surface of your body to form an opening. Find out more about colostomies here.

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Digestive system

Your digestive system breaks down the foods you eat so they can be absorbed into the body and used for energy and nutrients. Discover how it works.

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Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is an illness that causes inflmmation to your liver. Hepatitis A usually doesn't cause long-term damage like other types of hepatitis can.

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Living with a stoma

Many Australians live with a stoma (ostomy) after removal of part of their bowel or bladder. With support, most maintain a good quality of life.

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Anal care

It can be distressing if problems with normal anal function occur. Good anal hygiene, along with improving your diet may help reduce risk of pain and discomfort. Learn more about anal care here.

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Blood-borne viruses (BBVs)

Blood-borne viruses are viruses that are carried in the blood, like Hepatitis and HIV. Learn about treatment and prevention here.

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Worms in humans

Several types of intestinal worms may infect people in Australia, but threadworms are by far the most common. Find out the symptoms and treatment of worms.

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Anal fissure

An anal fissure is a small tear or split in the skin that lines the anus. Learn what causes anal fissures and how to prevent them.

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Surgery for anal fistula

An anal fistula can cause continued infection and pain. Symptoms usually get worse without surgery.

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