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Answers to the questions we are asked most often about having a gastroscopy or colonoscopy as a day procedure. What type of anaesthesia will I have? In Australia, gastroscopy and colonoscopy are almost always performed under deep sedation, given by a specialist anaesthetist through a small drip in your hand or arm (usually with the medication propofol). You will be comfortably asleep and will not feel or remember the procedure. It is lighter than a full general anaesthetic —

Understanding and managing ulcerative colitis What is ulcerative colitis? Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes chronic inflammation and ulceration of the inner lining of the large bowel (colon and rectum) only. It always involves the rectum and extends a variable distance around the colon — from proctitis (rectum only) to pancolitis (the whole colon). Like Crohn's disease, it runs a course of flares and remission.

Understanding and managing Crohn's disease What is Crohn's disease? Crohn's disease is one of the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes chronic inflammation that can affect any part of the digestive tract from mouth to anus — most commonly the end of the small intestine (ileum) and the colon. The inflammation extends through the full thickness of the bowel wall, which is why Crohn's can cause complications such as narrowings (strictures), abscesses and

An immune condition triggered by gluten What is coeliac disease? Coeliac disease is a condition in which the immune system reacts abnormally to gluten — a protein in wheat, rye and barley — causing inflammation and damage to the lining of the small intestine. This impairs absorption of nutrients. It affects about 1 in 70 Australians, though most remain undiagnosed. It is not a food allergy or a simple intolerance, and it is lifelong. Symptoms — often subtle Gut symptoms: diar

A dietitian-guided approach for IBS symptoms What are FODMAPs? FODMAPs are a group of small sugars and fibres found in many everyday foods that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine. In sensitive people they draw water into the gut and are fermented by bowel bacteria, producing gas — leading to bloating, pain, wind and altered bowel habit. FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols. The low FODMAP diet was developed at Mona

Finding the cause of persistent loose bowel motions What is chronic diarrhoea? Diarrhoea means loose or watery stools, usually with increased frequency. It is 'chronic' when it lasts more than four weeks. Unlike a short-lived gut infection, persistent diarrhoea deserves proper assessment, because the range of causes is wide and most are very treatable once identified. Common causes Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — the most common cause in younger people, typically with crampi

Understanding and treating persistent constipation What is chronic constipation? Constipation means bowel motions that are infrequent (fewer than three per week), hard, difficult to pass, or feel incomplete. It is 'chronic' when it persists for three months or more. It is very common — affecting up to 1 in 4 adults at some stage — and is usually manageable with the right approach. Common causes and contributors Low dietary fibre or fluid intake, and low physical activity Medi

A common, manageable disorder of gut–brain interaction What is IBS? IBS is one of the most common gut conditions, affecting around 1 in 10 Australians. It causes recurrent abdominal pain linked to changes in bowel habit — constipation, diarrhoea, or both. IBS is called a disorder of gut–brain interaction: the gut is more sensitive than usual and the normal two-way communication between the gut and the brain is disturbed. Importantly, IBS does not damage the bowel and does not

Heartburn, regurgitation and how to manage them What is GORD? Reflux occurs when acidic stomach contents flow back up into the oesophagus (food pipe). Occasional reflux is normal, but when it is frequent or troublesome — typically causing heartburn or regurgitation more than twice a week — it is called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Common symptoms Heartburn — a burning feeling rising behind the breastbone, often after meals or when lying down Regurgitation — sour

Understanding swallowing problems and how we investigate them What is dysphagia? Dysphagia means difficulty swallowing. Food or fluid may feel like it sticks in the throat or chest, take longer to go down, or cause coughing or discomfort when swallowing. Dysphagia is a symptom, not a diagnosis — our job is to find out what is causing it. There are two broad types: Oropharyngeal dysphagia — trouble starting a swallow, often with coughing, choking or food going down the wrong w