Conditions
From heartburn to the liver.
Clear explanations of common and complex digestive conditions, and how they are diagnosed and treated with evidence-based care.
- Condition
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus, causing heartburn and regurgitation. Most people improve with lifestyle changes and acid-suppressing medicine; endoscopy is needed for difficulty swallowing, weight loss, bleeding or persistent symptoms.
- Condition
Helicobacter pylori infection
A common bacterial infection of the stomach lining that can cause gastritis and peptic ulcers and raises the risk of stomach cancer. It is diagnosed with breath, stool or biopsy tests and treated with a combination of antibiotics and acid reducers.
- Condition
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
A common disorder of gut–brain interaction causing recurrent abdominal pain with constipation, diarrhoea or both, without visible damage to the bowel. Bleeding, weight loss or symptoms starting after 50 need investigation.
- Condition
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)
Chronic immune-driven inflammation of the gut causing persistent diarrhoea, blood in the stool, abdominal pain and weight loss. It is diagnosed by colonoscopy with biopsies and controlled with long-term treatment and regular follow-up.
- Condition
Fatty liver disease (MASLD)
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: fat builds up in the liver alongside excess weight, diabetes or high blood lipids. It is usually silent but can progress to inflammation and scarring; losing 7–10% of body weight and staying active are the cornerstone of treatment.
- Condition
Viral hepatitis (B and C)
Infection of the liver by the hepatitis B or C virus, often silent for years, that can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis C is cured with a short course of antiviral tablets; hepatitis B is controlled with antivirals and prevented by vaccination.
- Condition
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Vomiting blood, black tarry stools or rectal bleeding. It may come from ulcers, varices, polyps or other lesions and needs urgent assessment; endoscopy finds the source and can often stop the bleeding.
- Condition
Gallstones and bile duct stones
Gallstones can cause attacks of pain; if they pass into the bile duct they can cause jaundice, cholangitis or pancreatitis. Bile duct stones are removed by ERCP, while symptomatic gallbladder stones are usually treated surgically.
Book a visit
Begin with a conversation.
Choose a clinic day and session online in under a minute, or reach the clinic directly.