Diarrhea is defined as stool, or poop, that is loose or watery and you usually need to go to the toilet more often. It's very common and most cases improve by themselves within a day or two. There are many causes of diarrhea, ranging from infection, allergy, anxiety, medication side-effects or long-term conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

If you have repeated indigestion or acid reflux, you may be at risk of developing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is a general term, used to describe acid reflux, either with or without inflammation of the gullet (esophagus). In it, the corrosive acid our stomach produces to break down food moves up to the esophagus (the food pipe), where the lining is much more sensitive and so can get damaged over time. If you have GERD you typically experience heartburn, where you may feel a gnawing or burning pain in your central chest that moves up to the throat after eating. While you may have suffered indigestion before, symptoms with GERD may be much more easily triggered, more severe, and last longer after eating or drinking. It can also be the case that the usual treatments you have used before and which worked well may no longer be effective. Regular acid reflux is more common in smokers, pregnant women, heavy drinkers, the overweight or obese and people aged between 35 and 65 years old.

There are a few common causes of an itchy bottom, and we may find no cause, in which case we call it pruritus ani. Threadworms (pinworms) are very common in children but rare in adults. This is a parasite infection causing intense itching around the anus and possibly the vagina, especially at night. You might notice tiny white worms around your child’s anus or mixed in poop. In adults, hemorrhoids may be to blame. You may be able to feel one lump or more around the anus, and it may be painful when you go for a poop. You may get a few streaks of blood in the toilet bowl or on toilet tissue. These are common, and treatments are available. Infections from a fungus or yeast (thrush) can feel itchy and sore. The area will look pink, perhaps with tiny pink bumps and possibly flaky. Psoriasis can look similar but will likely be more red than pink, with a clear border, and is a more likely cause if you have psoriasis on other parts of the body. Eczema may appear around the bottom, especially if you have a tendency to it or irritation from any cream or treatments you are using, such as perfumed moisturizers, steroid creams, or ointments for anal fissures. Genital warts can appear as hard lumps around the anus and wider genital area and may be itchy. These are sexually transmitted and contagious to intimate partners. Finally, a condition called lichen sclerosus causes the skin to tighten, which can be itchy. You might see some white streaks on the affected area, making it look shiny and taut.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects the gastrointestinal system. It causes abdominal discomfort or pain along with bloating or changes in bowel habits. Certain symptoms like bloating, trapped gas, and abdominal cramps can prove embarrassing, particularly if you have diarrhea or need to rush to the bathroom several times a day. Many suffer in silence, reluctant to go to their doctor or pharmacist to discuss such personal issues. There is no specific test to confirm IBS. Doctors can make a diagnosis based on symptoms, persisting for at least 6 months, and in the absence of other gastrointestinal conditions that could account for symptoms. Bowel habits must be altered more than a quarter of the time to meet the criteria for diagnosis. IBS is a common condition that isn’t life-threatening and that doesn’t put you at higher risk of serious conditions like bowel cancer. However, it’s a long-term condition that can be debilitating and cause significant impact on work, study, social activities, and daily tasks. It can take its toll on your mood and quality of life. Symptoms may be continuous or intermittent, with a chronic waxing-and-waning cycle that can last for years. IBS is a common condition, affecting 10 to 15% of the US population. That’s likely an underestimate, as many people don’t seek medical help. Symptoms usually start before the age of 40 years and it more often occurs in women.

Lactulose is an oral solution used to treat constipation on prescription only. It comes as a sugar-like syrup and is suitable for adults and children.

Vomiting is common in children and can happen for a number of reasons. It’s usually due to an infection in the gut – gastroenteritis – and will clear in a day or two. Occasionally, it can indicate something serious, but other signs also guide you to recognize this. Gastroenteritis can also cause diarrhea – this may appear a few hours or a day after vomiting starts – and abdominal pain or cramps. Children usually have little appetite, and they may have a mild fever. If it lasts longer than a couple of days or they are struggling to keep fluids down, it’s time to contact your doctor.

Hemorrhoids are common, and many refer to them as piles. They are enlarged blood vessels just inside or outside the anus and look like small red or purple lumps. You might find blood after you go for a poop (this will be bright red blood, seen on wiping or on the stool), or you can get pain and itching around the anus. For the majority of people, they cause no symptoms at all. Sometimes hemorrhoids can become thrombosed, which means they have no blood flow due to a blood clot. These are very painful and tender to touch. Hemorrhoids are not contagious and cannot be passed on.

Incontinence is the involuntary or uncontrollable leakage of urine or poop. It is called urinary, bowel, or double incontinence if both peeing and pooping are affected. It can occur because of weakening of the muscles that control these functions or from illness such as stroke, which can affect the nerves that control them. Urinary incontinence may be brought on by coughing or laughing (stress incontinence) or when you feel the urge to urinate (urge incontinence). Incontinence is diagnosed when it has happened regularly, not just once. Muscle exercises may help train the muscles to reduce incontinence. Medication may also help control symptoms of urinary incontinence.