Weight loss
Chapter 24 WEIGHT LOSS KEY POINTS • Weight loss is defined as >5% loss of usual body weight over a period of 6–12 months. • Body mass index (BMI) is…
Faecal incontinence
Chapter 19 FAECAL INCONTINENCE KEY POINTS • Faecal incontinence is the involuntary passage of stool through the anus. • A detailed history and clinical examination is important. A special note…
Rectal bleeding and haemorrhoids
Chapter 20 RECTAL BLEEDING AND HAEMORRHOIDS KEY POINTS Rectal bleeding: • Initial management of massive rectal bleeding always involves assessment and resuscitation. • Colonoscopy, radiolabelled red cell scan, selective mesenteric…
Heartburn, acid regurgitation and Barrett’s oesophagus
Chapter 3 HEARTBURN, ACID REGURGITATION AND BARRETT’S OESOPHAGUS KEY POINTS • Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is defined as a condition that develops when the reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome…
Colorectal cancer screening
Chapter 18 COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING KEY POINTS • Colorectal (CRC) screening can reduce incidence and mortality from CRC by up to 90%. • All average subjects aged 50 years and…
Acute diarrhoea
Chapter 15 ACUTE DIARRHOEA KEY POINTS • Acute infectious diarrhoea is common worldwide and is responsible for significant patient hospitalisation and mortality. • Acute diarrhoea is defined as an increase…
Challenging constipation
Chapter 14 CHALLENGING CONSTIPATION KEY POINTS • Constipation is a symptom not a diagnosis. • There are three subtypes of functional constipation (no structural or biochemical cause): slow transit constipation,…
Irritable bowel syndrome
Chapter 9 IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME KEY POINTS • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent condition affecting 15% of the population. • IBS is defined by chronic or relapsing…
Sore mouth
Chapter 1 SORE MOUTH KEY POINTS • The commonest fungal infection in the mouth is Candida albicans. Always look for a predisposing factor (systemic disease, drugs, diabetes or HIV infection)….
