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 causes of gastrointestinal illness. Read more about stool testing and results.

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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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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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Rectal diseases

Rectal problems include haemorrhoids, fissures, abscesses and incontinence.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a blood disorder that increases the risk of blood clots and pregnancy complications. Learn more here.

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Ebola virus

Ebola is a rare and often fatal illness. Learn about the Ebola virus, who’s at risk, symptoms and treatment options.

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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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Encephalitis

Encephalitis is a serious brain condition usually caused by a virus. If you or your child may be affected, seek medical attention immediately.

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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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Appendicitis

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

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Lateral internal sphincterotomy

An anal fissure is a common condition that causes a lot of pain. At first, it may be treated with ointments or Botox. If this fails, surgery is the best option for a cure.

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