Coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is a common digestive condition where the small intestine becomes inflamed and unable to absorb nutrients. It can cause a range of symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain and bloating.

Coeliac disease is caused by an adverse reaction to gluten, a dietary protein found in three types of cereal:

• wheat 
• barley 
• rye 

Gluten is found in any food that contains the above cereals, including:

• pasta 
• cakes 
• breakfast cereals 
• most types of bread 
• certain types of sauces 
• some types of ready meals 

In addition, most beers are made from barley.

Achalasia

Achalasia is a disorder of the gullet (oesophagus) where it loses the ability to move food along. The valve at the end of the gullet also fails to open and allow food to pass into your stomach. As a result, food gets stuck in your gullet and is often brought back up.

A ring of muscle called the lower oesophageal (cardiac) sphincter keeps the opening from the gullet to the stomach shut tight to prevent acid reflux (acidic stomach content moving back up into the gullet). Normally, this muscle relaxes when you swallow to allow the food to pass into your stomach. In achalasia, this muscle does not relax properly and the end of your gullet becomes blocked with food. Achalasia is an uncommon condition that affects about 6,000 people in Britain. It is sometimes known as cardiospasm.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea 

Diarrhoea is where you frequently pass watery or loose poo. Some people may also have other symptoms, depending on the cause. It affects most people from time to time and is usually nothing to worry about. However, it can be distressing and unpleasant until it passes, which normally takes a few days to a week. The excessive loss of water in your poo can also sometimes lead to symptoms of dehydration, which can be serious if it's not recognised and treated quickly.

When to seek medical advice

You must contact your doctor/ GP or call NHS 111 for advice if you are concerned about yourself or your child. You should also contact your GP in the situations outlined below, as they may mean an increased risk of a more serious problem.

Babies

You should contact your GP or health visitor urgently if your baby has had six or more episodes of diarrhoea in the past 24 hours, or if they've vomited three times or more in the past 24 hours. You should also seek advice if your baby has any symptoms of dehydration.

Peritonitis

Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum, the thin layer of tissue that lines the inside of the abdomen (tummy). It is caused by an infection, which can rapidly spread around the body. Peritonitis is regarded a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. Signs of peritonitis often develop quickly and can include:

• sudden abdominal pain that becomes more severe
• nausea (feeling sick)
• a lack of appetite
• a high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100.4°F) or above
• not passing any urine or passing less than normal.

Peritonitis presents with severe generalised abdominal pain, which is worse on movement. Without treatment, the patient can rapidly deteriorate.

Anal Fissure

An anal fissure is a tear or ulcer (open sore) which develops in the lining of the anal canal. The most common symptoms of anal fissures include:

• a sharp pain or burning sensation when passing a stool (poo)
• noticing bright red blood on toilet paper or on the toilet seat