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Low FODMAP Diet

Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols (FODMAPs) are found in the foods we eat. FODMAPs are sugars that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and reach the large intestine where they produce gas and attract water.
Colon polyps                      Hepatitis A, B, C
Coeliac disease                  Iron deficiency
Constipation                       Inflammatory bowel disease
Diverticular disease           Irritable bowel disease
Fatty liver disease              H. pylori
Haemochromatosis           Barrett's oesophagus
Gallstones                            Pancreatitis
Reflux                                   Peptic ulcers
Lactase deficiency

Colon polyps 

Bowel polyps are small growths on the lining of the bowel wall. They are common, especially as we age. While most bowel polyps do not become cancerous, approximately 5% do. Most polyps can be safely and completely removed during a colonoscopy.

Coeliac disease 

Coeliac disease affects approximately 1 in 100 Australians. In coeliac disease the immune system reacts abnormally to gluten. People affected do not absorb food and nutrients well.

Constipation 

Constipation is one of the most common medical complaints in Australia. People say they are constipated when they can't empty their bowels as often or as easily as they would like to.

Diverticular disease

Diverticular disease is very common. One-third of Australians over 45 years of age, and two-thirds over 85 years have some diverticular disease. Many are unaware they have it. The main cause is not eating enough fibre.

Fatty liver disease

Fatty liver disease is an accumulation of fat in the liver. It can lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis. It is one of the most common liver diseases in Australia and a common reason for abnormal liver tests and ultrasound results.

Gallstones

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that form in the gallbladder. They do not produce symptoms in most patients. In cases where symptoms do occur prompt treatment is required.

Haemochromatosis

Haemochromatosis is the most common form of iron overload disease. Primary or hereditary haemochromatosis is an inherited disease. Secondary haemochromatosis is caused by anaemia, alcoholism and other disorders.

Heartburn and reflux

Heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux or indigestion) is very common. Most healthy people experience heartburn from time to time. Antacid is a suitable treatment for healthy people, but severe heartburn requires medical attention.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is one of several different hepatitis viruses that can cause liver infections and damage. Anyone can be infected with hepatitis A if they come in direct contact with food, drinks or objects contaminated by the faeces of an infected person.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation and can lead to serious illness or death. A small proportion of people who become infected with the hepatitis B virus develop a long-term or chronic hepatitis B infection.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation and can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer. Hepatitis C is thought to be the most common cause of chronic hepatitis and affects about 1% of the Australian community.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's & Colitis)

The term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) covers a group of disorders in which the intestines become inflamed (red and swollen). The major types of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Symptoms include pain, diarrhoea and tiredness. IBD is not caused by diet or allergies to certain food components.

Iron deficiency

Iron deficiency is still the most common nutritional deficiency in Australia, especially among children and women of childbearing age where it can lead to iron-deficiency anaemia, a serious condition where red blood cell production falls.

Inflammatory bowel disease

The term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) covers a group of disorders in which the intestines become inflamed (red and swollen). The major types of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Symptoms include pain, diarrhoea and tiredness. IBD is not caused by diet or allergies to certain food components.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common problem affecting the colon or large bowel. Around one in five Australians experiences the unpleasant symptoms of IBS at some time. IBS does not damage the bowel or lead to other health problems.

Lactase deficiency

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose. Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy products.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium (germ) that lives in the stomach. It causes a chronic low-level inflammation of the stomach lining and is strongly linked to the development of intestinal and gastric ulcers. It is the most wide-spread infection in the world, especially in the developing world.

Barrett’s Oesophagus

Barrett's esophagus is a change in the lining of the esophagus caused by chronic acid reflux and can only be detected by upper endoscopy with biopsy.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that usually begins as a sudden attack and is often caused by gallstones or alcohol abuse.

Peptic ulcers 

Peptic ulcer disease occurs when painful sores develop in the lining of the stomach or intestines.

Cancer facts and figures:

GI cancers
Gastroscopy
Colonoscopy
EUS
ERCP
POEM (peroral endoscopic myotomy)
Bowel preparation
© Dr Payal Saxena 2015
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