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 (poo) tests are commonly used to check for 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 (poo) can indicate a serious problem. Find out more about the causes of blood in your poo and what you should do about it.

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Gastrointestinal bleeding

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding can lead to vomiting blood or passing blood in stools. GI bleeding can be serious and may need emergency treatment.

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Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a very common disease caused by a parasite and usually doesn’t cause symptoms. Learn more about the causes and prevention options.

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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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Accidentally eating unsafe foods (ingesting questionable foods)

Avoid unsafe foods like expired, mouldy, or contaminated items. Watch for symptoms and seek medical help if needed.

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Giardiasis (giardia)

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

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Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common viral illness that mainly affects children under 10 years old but can also affect 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Q fever

Q fever is an infection that you can catch from cows, sheep, goats and kangaroos. Learn more about Q fever symptoms, prevention and treatment.

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Cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis is a disease caused by the parasite cryptosporidium. Find out more about the symptoms of crypto and when to see a doctor.

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Parechovirus

Parechovirus is a type of virus that can cause mild or serious illness, especially in babies and children. Learn when you need urgent medical help.

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Swallowed object

Swallowing foreign objects, such as button batteries or magnets, can be dangerous. Know what to do if someone swallows a dangerous object.

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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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Faecal incontinence

Faecal incontinence is when you have trouble controlling your bowel. Find out about the symptoms, causes, self-care and other treatments.

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Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a group of illnesses that damage your liver. Learn more about the different types, causes, symptoms and treatment for hepatitis.

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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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Enterovirus in children

Enteroviruses cause a range of illnesses which are usually mild. You can help prevent the spread of enterovirus infection by practising good hygiene.

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Cholera

Cholera is an illness that causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration. It is most often found in parts of the world with poor water and sanitation.

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