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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Stool tests

Stool tests are commonly used to check for possible bowel cancer and to look for causes of gastrointestinal illness. You can find out more about stool tests by reading our trusted sources.

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Constipation

Constipation is difficulty passing stools. It is very common, affecting both children and adults. Learn how to help prevent and treat constipation.

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Constipation in children

Constipation in kids is quite common and isn't usually caused by something serious. Here's how to help your child when they're constipated.

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Rectal bleeding

Rectal bleeding that does not occur at the same time as a bowel movement should be investigated by a health professional. Learn more about 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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Cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrhoeal disease caused by microscopic parasites called Cryptosporidium.

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Tapeworm infection

Tapeworms can cause infection when drinking contaminated water or eating undercooked meat from infected animals. Find out more about its symptoms and treatments.

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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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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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Polio (poliomyelitis)

Polio is a highly contagious viral infection. It can cause paralysis and death, so immunisation is important to prevent polio. Learn here about symptoms, how polio is spread and treatment options.

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Colostomy

A colostomy is surgery to bring part of the colon to the surface of the body to form an opening. Waste is collected using a bag called a stoma pouch.

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Typhoid and paratyphoid

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

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Digestive system

Your digestive system breaks down the food you eat into nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Find out about how it works and some related conditions.

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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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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects the colon and while it’s not dangerous, the symptoms can be uncomfortable. Learn how to manage the symptoms here.

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Bowel infections

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

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Personal hygiene

Good personal hygiene is important and will prevent you and your children from picking up or spreading germs and infectious diseases. Take these steps to avoid getting sick.

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Living with a stoma

Around 46,000 Australians live with a stoma (ostomy) after the removal of a section of their bowel or bladder and, with support, most maintain a good quality of life.

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Understanding pathology tests

Pathology tests help medical professional to prevent, diagnose and manage many health issues. Find out more about understanding pathology tests.

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Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an illness that inflames and damages a person's liver. Here's what you need to know about the types, causes and symptoms of hepatitis.

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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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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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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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Appendicitis

Learn about appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix, including possible causes, common symptoms and the main treatment options.

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Q fever

Anyone who works with animals such as farmers and vets is at more risk of getting Q fever. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment.

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Bed bugs

Bed bugs are small insects that feed on your blood, often causing itchy bites. Learn about treatment and prevention.

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Lyssavirus (ABLV)

Find out about Australian bat Lyssavirus, and learn how it can be prevented if you are bitten or scratched by a bat.

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Parechovirus

Parechovirus is a virus that usually has very mild symptoms, or none at all. Sometimes it can cause serious illness in babies and young children. Good hygiene can help stop it spreading.

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