Gastrointestinal
To download each 
PDF document please click on the links below, you will need Adobe Reader to view the documents, If you do not have Adobe Reader, click here for a free download of the program.
CONSTIPATION
Constipation usually occurs when bowel motions become harder or drier than usual. This makes them more difficult to pass and you may not pass motions as often. Everyone has their own bowel habit. This habit depends on diet, fluid intake and the amount and timing of exercise.
You can have bowel motions three times a day or once a week and still be normal. Breast-fed infants, for example, may pass a motion after each feed, or only once every four to five days. Children usually settle down to between one to three bowel motions a day by age three or four.
HAEMORRHOIDS (also known as ‘piles’)
Haemorrhoids can produce symptoms of itching, burning, swelling and discomfort in the rectum. Haemorrhoids are swollen veins, rather like varicose veins, and can be inside the anus (internal piles) or they can swell so much they hang down outside the anus (external piles). Haemorrhoids are often caused by a lack of dietary fibre or insufficient fluid intake. The good news is that haemorrhoids can be treated through self care and with the latest medicines.
HEARTBURN & INDIGESTION
Heartburn is a painful, burning felling in the upper abdomen or chest, occasionally up as far as the throat. Indigestion is the discomfort or pain you may feel after eating or drinking too much. Heartburn and indigestion can often be managed with a few simple lifestyle changes. Some medicines may also be helpful.
Heartburn & Indigestion [ 176 KB]
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects around 20% of the population. People with IBS appear to have an oversensitive bowel, commonly causing pain in the gut and irregular bowel movements (diarrhoea, constipation or both). Symptoms often come and go without any pattern and may continue over many years. The cause of IBS is unknown, however it may be possible to find and avoid factors that bring on the symptoms or make them worse. IBS does not lead to more serious conditions like bowel cancer but it can make some people very uncomfortable, anxious and distressed, affecting their work and day-to-day activities. IBS is a leading cause of days lost from work due to illness.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome [ 150 KB]
THREADWORMS (also known as pinworms)
Threadworms are the most common worms affecting humans. They look like short pieces of white cotton (about 5-10mm long). Anyone can become infected with threadworms. However, because of the way they are spread, threadworms are more often found in children than in adults. Threadworms are only transferred by people – worms infecting dogs and cats are not threadworms.
VOMITING & DIARRHOEA
Vomiting and diarrhoea usually occur as a result of a bacterial or viral infection of the gut. Vomiting may last for 4-6 hours and frequent, loose, watery bowel motions (diarrhoea) can go on for three or more days. The body can lose a lot of fluid through vomiting and diarrhoea.
