Glossary

Relating to the abdomen. Also known as the belly, this is the part of the body that lies between the chest and the pelvis. The abdomen contains organs such as the stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, and bladder.

Acute diarrhoea is a sudden bout of diarrhoea that lasts less than two weeks.

A reaction to foreign substances by the body’s immune system. Substances that trigger allergy are called allergens, e.g. pollens, dust mites and certain foods.

Drugs used to treat infections caused by harmful bacteria and other microorganisms.

A medication that minimises or prevents muscle spasms.

Can also be known colloquially as bugs; these single-celled microorganisms are often linked with infections but some are harmless and/or beneficial to humans.

Bloating is often associated with the abdomen, when intestinal gasses can make it feel full and tight.

Another name for the intestine; also known as the gut.

The central nervous system (CNS) is the part of the nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Chronic diarrhoea is used to describe symptoms that last longer than four weeks.

Infrequent, and often incomplete, bowel movements; the opposite of diarrhoea.

This is a condition that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Typical symptoms include pain, ulcers and diarrhoea.

When the body loses an excessive amount of water. Prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, as can heat exposure, prolonged vigorous exercise, and some medications.

Abnormally loose or liquid stools in bouts of more than three times a day, and/or stools greater than 200g in volume, in a day.

Excess gas in the bowels. Expelling gas approximately 14 times in 24 hours is thought to be the ‘norm’.

An inflammation of the stomach and the intestines, which can cause nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhoea. Viruses, food poisoning and stress can all cause gastroenteritis.

A common gastrointestinal disorder, characterised by abdominal pain, bloating, mucus in stools, and irregular bowel habits, with alternating diarrhoea and constipation.

Our body’s natural system of defence. It distinguishes foreign substances and protects us against infections.

Part of the digestive system, consisting of the small and large intestines, found in the abdomen

Chemicals or medicines that loosen the bowels to combat constipation; can cause diarrhoea if overused.

A drug used in diarrhoea treatments, which slows the contraction of the muscles in the gut.

The periodic blood that is discharged from the uterus, occurring at approximately 4 week intervals, making up the menstrual cycle.

A thick, slippery fluid produced by membranes which line certain organs, such as the nose, mouth, throat, and vagina.

This is an urge to vomit, which can be caused by many things, including illness, medications and imbalance in the inner ear.

There are actually many types of norovirus; together they are part of a group of viruses that are the most common cause of gastroenteritis. Although they can infect people at any time of the year, it is often called the 'winter vomiting disease' because it is most common during winter.

Substances from food that the body needs for energy, growth and repair, such as vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

The movement made by muscles in our intestines which tighten and relax in rhythmic waves, pushing the contents of the bowel along. This motion also mixes food with acids in the stomach, turning it into a thin liquid.

The process of restoring lost water to the body, either by drinking fluids or by intravenous drip.

An inspection of the rectum and lower colon, using a thin lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope, during which tissue or cell samples may be collected for further investigation.

A drug that helps flatulence-causing gasses to dissolve

Also known colloquially as ‘poo’; this is the solid waste matter that passes through the rectum, in the form of bowel movements. Stools are made up of undigested food, bacteria, mucus, and dead cells.

A physical or mental sign that a person has a condition or disease. Diarrhoea, headache, fever, fatigue, nausea, pain, and depression are all common symptoms.

Inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine.