Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that can occur for a variety of reasons. While often short-lived and harmless, they can sometimes indicate an underlying health condition that needs medical attention. What causes nausea and vomiting? Nausea and vomiting can occur due to a wide range of causes, including digestive, neurological, or […]
Upper abdominal pain
What is upper abdominal pain? Upper abdominal pain refers to discomfort or pain felt in the area between your chest and belly button. It is a common issue that can have a variety of causes, ranging from mild and temporary to more serious underlying conditions. What causes upper abdominal pain? Upper abdominal […]
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
What is dysphagia? Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a condition where you may find it hard to move food or liquid from your mouth to your stomach. It can happen occasionally, such as when eating too quickly, or it may indicate an underlying medical issue if it occurs regularly. What causes dysphagia? […]
Peptic ulcer disease
What is peptic ulcer disease? Peptic ulcer disease refers to sores or ulcers that develop on the lining of your stomach or the upper part of your small intestine (duodenum). These ulcers occur when the protective layer of your stomach lining is damaged, allowing stomach acid to create an open sore. At […]
Indigestion (dyspepsia)
What is indigestion? Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, can mean different things depending on the situation. It is often a symptom of another condition, such as acid reflux, ulcers, or gallstones, and may indicate a problem with your digestive system. In some cases, indigestion itself can be a condition, where no specific […]
Heartburn
What is heartburn? Heartburn is a common symptom that causes a burning sensation in your chest, usually after eating or when lying down. It occurs when stomach acid flows back into your oesophagus (food pipe), irritating its lining. While occasional heartburn is normal, frequent or severe heartburn may indicate an underlying condition […]
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
What is Helicobacter pylori? Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral-shaped bacterium that infects the lining of your stomach. It is one of the most common bacterial infections worldwide and can survive in the stomach’s acidic environment by producing an enzyme called urease, which helps neutralise stomach acid. While many people with […]
Oesophageal pH monitoring
What is oesophageal pH monitoring? Oesophageal pH monitoring is a test used to measure the level of acid in your oesophagus (food pipe) over a 24-hour period. It helps determine if you are experiencing acid reflux and how severe it is. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, […]
Oesophageal manometry
What is oesophageal manometry? Oesophageal manometry is a diagnostic test that measures how well your oesophagus (food pipe) works. It evaluates the strength and coordination of the muscles in your oesophagus and the function of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS), the valve that connects your oesophagus to your stomach. The procedure involves […]
Barrett’s oesophagus
What is Barrett’s oesophagus? Barrett’s oesophagus is a condition where the lining of your oesophagus (food pipe) changes, often due to long-term acid reflux or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). In this condition, the normal lining of the oesophagus is replaced by tissue similar to that found in the stomach or intestine. While […]
