Digestive system - Better Health Channel.
The digestive system breaks down food and delivers nutrients to every cell in the body via the bloodstream. The digestive tract starts at the mouth and ends at the anus. Organs that are part of the digestive system include the stomach, small ... [... more]
Better Health |
Worms - pinworms
Pinworm, or threadworm, is the most common worm infection in Australia. Children are more likely to pick up an infection of worms than adults. Treatment includes a two-dose course of medication that should be taken by all members of the affected ... [... more]
Better Health |
Peritonitis - Better Health Channel.
Peritonitis is inflammation of the membranes of the abdominal wall and organs. Peritonitis may be caused by the rupture of infected organs such as the appendix or bowel. Symptoms include strong abdominal (stomach) pain. Peritonitis is life ... [... more]
Better Health |
Diarrhoea - Better Health Channel.
Diarrhoea is the frequent passing of watery faeces (poo). Other symptoms include cramps and pains in the abdomen (stomach), nausea and vomiting. The most common cause is an infection of the intestines, such as gastroenteritis or food poisoning. ... [... more]
Better Health |
Food poisoning - prevention
Food poisoning is caused by eating contaminated food. Some people are more at risk of getting food poisoning including pregnant women, the elderly, young children and anyone with an illness. Salmonella, listeria, campylobacter and E. coli are ... [... more]
Better Health |
Fibre in food
Dietary fibre is found in the indigestible parts of plants. Good sources of fibre include wholegrain foods, fruits and vegetables. Drinking lots of fluid is also important to avoid constipation.The main role of fibre is to keep the digestive ... [... more]
Better Health |
Pancreas explained
The pancreas is located in the abdomen. This gland has dual roles - it is an organ of the digestive system and of the endocrine system. Disorders of the pancreas include acute or chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and diabetes. The pancreas ... [... more]
Better Health |
Birth defects - the abdomen
Birth defects of the abdomen include diaphragmatic hernia (organs protrude into the chest cavity), exomphalos (organs protrude through the navel) and gastroschisis (organs protrude through the abdominal wall). The organs of the digestive system - ... [... more]
Better Health |
Rectal cancer
The rectum is part of the digestive system. Its function is to temporarily store faeces. Rectal cancer usually affects people over the age of 50 years. Symptoms include bleeding from the anus and pain when passing motions. The rectum is part of ... [... more]
Better Health |
Gastroenteritis - an overview
Gastroenteritis (gastro) is an illness triggered by the infection and inflammation of the digestive system. Symptoms include abdominal cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting. Some of the causes include viruses, bacteria, bacterial toxins, parasites, ... [... more]
Better Health |
Stomach cancer
The stomach is part of the digestive system, which helps to break down food. Although 500 Victorians are diagnosed with stomach cancer each year, it is becoming less common in Australia and other Western countries. Diet is thought to play some ... [... more]
Better Health |
Cystic fibrosis - Better Health Channel.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life threatening genetic disorder. It severely affects the lungs and digestive system. There is currently no cure; however, with improved medication and treatment to manage symptoms, life expectancy has been extended ... [... more]
Better Health |
