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 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 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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Cholera

Cholera is an illness that gives you severe diarrhoea and dehydration. It’s mostly found in parts of the world with poor water and sanitation.

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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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Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common viral illness mainly affecting children under 10 years old but sometimes affecting older children and adults.

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Tapeworm infection

Tapeworm infections happen when you drink contaminated water or eat undercooked meat from infected animals. Learn about symptoms and treatments here.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Blood-borne viruses (BBVs)

Blood-borne viruses are viruses that are carried in the blood, like Hepatitis and HIV. Learn about treatment and prevention here.

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