What is an allergy? An allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to something in the environment (the allergen) that would normally be harmless. You may also have an allergy to the bites or stings of insects, or to certain medications. In an allergic reaction, the immune system produces allergy antibodies specific to the allergen …
Diverticulosis is the process in which small bulges or pockets (diverticula) form in the in the wall of the large intestine or colon (Queensland Health, 2019). Diverticula generally form when naturally weak areas of the lower gastrointestinal tract give way under pressure, causing small pockets (about the size of a marble) to protrude through the …
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an umbrella term used to describe two main diseases: Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Both of these diseases cause inflammation to the bowel. IBD should not be confused with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a disease that may present with some similar bowel symptoms (diarrhoea, abdominal pain, constipation, bloating) but tests …
What is Coeliac Disease? Coeliac disease (or Celiac in North American English spelling) is an autoimmune disease in which the lining of the small intestine is damaged by gluten – a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. An autoimmune disease is a condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body. In …
What is Anaemia? Anaemia is a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells circulating in your blood stream. Red blood cells contain a protein called haemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting oxygen molecules from the lungs around your body to all your organs and muscles. Anaemia can mean that either the red …