Our A-Z of gut health conditions with resources and information on where to find help.
Candida is a type of fungus or yeast which grows all over the human body, especially in warm and moist areas like the mouth, stomach and vagina.
The presence of candida isn’t usually a problem unless an overgrowth occurs (1). Although candida overgrowth is quite common, the severity of these infections vary greatly (2).
Candida overgrowth is also called:
Speak to your GP if you suspect that you might have a Candida overgrowth
You may have heard of this bacterium. It can infect the bowel and cause diarrhoea (in healthy individuals it is unlikely to cause an issue because beneficial bacteria keep it in check). Symptoms include diarrhoea, high temperature or tender stomach.
Seek help from your doctor if you are experiencing gut symptoms.
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition whereby your body’s own immune system attacks itself when gluten is eaten (even very small amounts like cross contamination). This causes damage to your small intestine and can result in malabsorption meaning you won’t be able to absorb the nutrients from food.
Your doctor is always your first port of call if you thing you have Coeliac disease.
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Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. It can cause inflammation in any part of the gut but mostly occurs in the last section of the small intestine or large intestine. It is a chronic condition but periods of remission means the individual can be symptom free for periods of time. It can impair digestion and absorption of nutrients and how well your body gets rid of waste. Symptoms vary between each person as different sections of the gut are affected. Main symptoms are diarrhoea, stomach aches/cramps, blood in your stools, tiredness and weight loss. It is an ongoing condition but symptoms can be managed with medication and in some cases, surgery.
Seek help from your doctor if you are experiencing gut symptoms.
My IBD Care – an interesting app that may help those with Crohn’s manage their condition. For your peace of mind, we are not affiliated or paid to provide this link.
Digestive cancers include:
Seek help from your doctor if you are experiencing gut symptoms.
Bowel Cancer
Stomach cancer
Pancreatic cancer
These are both conditions affecting your large intestine. As we age, small pockets appear in the lining of our large intestine – these are called diverticula. The presence of diverticula does not mean you will experience symptoms, but some people do. If you have no symptoms but have diverticula, it is called diverticulosis. If you have symptoms, such as stomach pain, it is called diverticular disease. Sometimes the diverticula can become infected or inflamed increasing the severity of symptoms – this is called diverticulitis.
Seek help from your doctor if you are experiencing gut symptoms.
Dumping syndrome is a term to describe a range of different symptoms occurring when food is too quickly evacuated from the stomach in to the small intestine resulting in undigested food that hasn’t been digested properly making it difficult to absorb nutrients. It has different causes and is common after bariatric surgery (also known as bypass surgery).
Seek help from your doctor if you are experiencing gut symptoms.
Not the sort of stones you’d find in your garden, but small stones. Most are made of cholesterol and are made in your gallbladder. They often go un-noticed but sometimes they can get trapped trying to get out causing intense stomach pain.
Seek help from your doctor if you are experiencing gut symptoms.
Gastritis happens when the stomach lining becomes inflamed after damage, whereas gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by infection. There are lots of different causes, such as h. Pylori infection, excessive cocaine and alcohol, some pain relieving medications, stress or autoimmune reactions. It can be treated, and symptoms supported. Symptoms include indigestion, burning stomach pain, feeling or being sick, feeling of fullness, bleeding or ulceration of the stomach (the severity will differ from person to person).
Seek help from your doctor if you are experiencing gut symptoms.
Gastrointestinal Malabsorption is where you are unable to fully absorb nutrients from your gut, which, if the underlying cause is not treated or managed, can cause malnutrition. The most common cause is Coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease and pancreatitis. Symptoms include weight loss, impaired growth in children, chronic diarrhoea, fatty and greasy stools, fatigue.
Seek help from your doctor if you are experiencing gut symptoms.
Gastroparesis is a chronic condition causing the contents of the stomach to empty slower than it should. It is caused by an impairment in muscular and nerve communication. There are multiple reasons behind its cause, including complications with type 1 and 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, complications from surgery, such as bariatric surgery and gastrectomy. Symptoms include feeling very full (quickly), nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating and stomach discomfort and heartburn.
Seek help from your doctor if you are experiencing gut symptoms. \
These are more common than you’d think and comm. Haemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels and appear as lumps in or around your bottom. You are more likely to get them if you are constipated, strain too hard, during pregnancy and even heavy lifting. They can be painful and may result in bright red blood after you poo but always seek help from your doctor to rule out other causes.
Seek help from your doctor if you are experiencing gut symptoms.
Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid or its contents being regurgitated and coming up into the oesophagus or throat (acid reflux). It commonly occurs after meals and when lying down. Up to 25% of UK adults are affected.
Symptoms vary but include sore throat, heartburn, indigestion, bad taste, sensation of a lump in your throat. If this occurs regularly, its proper name is gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). There are different underlying causes, including where the sphincter at the bottom of your oesophagus /top of your stomach not working as well as it should.
Seek help from your doctor if you are experiencing gut symptoms.
There are several different types of hernia. They occcur when an internal part of your body is pushed through muscle or tissue wall. The most common place is between chest and hips. If you have a hernia, you will most likely notice a lump or swelling. Surgery may be recommended to treat a hernia.
If you think you have a hernia, please speak to your doctor.
H Pylori is a type of bacteria (it’s full name is helicobacter pylori). An H. Pylori infection is a bacterial infection of the stomach, where the bacteria sets up home in the mucus layer of your stomach. It weakens the mucus and exposes the stomach lining, the bacteria and lining irritate the stomach lining resulting in a ulcer and inflammation. Some people may have an H. Pylori infection but not experience symptoms. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, belching and nausea. It can be treated but requires medical attention
Seek help from your doctor if you are experiencing gut symptoms.
You’ll find more info from us here: h.pylori: the full lowdown
This is a rare circulatory condition and can affect your small or large intestine. It occurs where the arteries delivering blood to your gut are affected resulting in a reduced blood flow.
Irritable bowel syndrome affects your digestive system. Symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, wind, mucus, nausea and tiredness – there are different types and your doctor will diagnose you. Symptoms can happen sporadically, last for days, weeks and even months. Scientists don’t know exactly what causes IBS and it can be a difficult condition to live with. Symptoms can be managed but there is no cure.
Keep a diary and speak to your doctor for further information.
Speak to your GP if this is something affecting you.
Oesophagitis is where the oesophagus (linking your stomach to your throat) becomes inflamed. This mostly occurs due to acid reflux [link back]. Not everyone with reflux will develop oesophagitis, it depends on the sensitivity of your oesophagus. Symptoms are similar to acid reflux, including pain in the chest and towards the neck, acid taste in mouth, pain swallowing hot drinks.
Seek help from your doctor if you are experiencing gut symptoms.
This occurs when your pancreas becomes inflamed either in a short space of time (acute pancreatitis) or over long period of time becoming permanently damaged (chronic pancreatitis). Alcohol abuse is a common cause of chronic pancreatitis.
Seek help from your doctor if you are experiencing gut symptoms.
Short bowel syndrome happens due to physical loss or loss of function or a section of the small and / or large intestine. This may result in malabsorption of nutrients. Diarrhoea and malnutrition are common symptoms.
Seek help from your doctor if you are experiencing gut symptoms.
National Organisation for Rare Diseases
SIBO stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. This occurs when an unusually high amount of bacteria is found in the small intestine which leads to uncomfortable symptoms in the gut. This can happen there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, or when bacteria moves from the large intestine into the small intestine.
You’ll find more info from us here: sibo: the full lowdown
Stomach or gastric ulcers are ulcerations that occurs on the stomach lining or first section of the small intestine. You may also hear the term peptic ulcer. It happens when the lining of the stomach breaks down causing damage. It can be caused by H.pylori infection, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin. Burning of abdominal pain are the main symptoms but you may also experience indigestion, heartburn or nausea.
Seek help from your doctor if you are experiencing gut symptoms. Seek urgent medical help if you vomit blood, pass dark, stick stools, have blood in your stools, sharp pain that gets worse.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (you may hear it called IBD). It causes inflammation and ulceration of the large intestine and rectum (where stools are held before being released). The large intestine has a delicate lining and ulcers can form along it, which can cause bleeding and pus. Severity of symptoms will vary person to person but the main symptoms are diarrhoea (you may see blood, mucus of puss), stomach pain, frequent trips to the loo, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss and anaemia. Other symptoms are also associated with UC – visit the links below for more information. It is an ongoing condition but symptoms can be managed with medication and in some cases, surgery.
Seek help from your doctor if you are experiencing gut symptoms.
disclaimer: The information on this website is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic, treatment or medical purpose. All health issues should be discussed with your GP and/or other qualified medical professional.