When To See a Doctor

You may have noticed some pain, discomfort or a change in your bowel movements.

Firstly, remember that many digestive disorders are treatable - but if you have any of the symptoms below which are persistent or occurring without obvious reason then it is advisable to see a doctor.

• Abdominal pain before or after meals
• Feelings of fullness, bloating or flatulence
• Nausea or vomiting
• Heartburn or regurgitation
• Pain or difficulty in swallowing
• Loss of appetite
• Continuing unexplained weight loss
• Indigestion developing for the first time or in mid or later life
• Diarrhoea, constipation or any alteration in bowel habit
• Change in stools (bowel motions) especially if they become black,  dark red, pale or contain mucus (slime)
• Bleeding when you pass a stool
• Pain when you pass a stool
• Feeling that your bowels are not emptying completely
• Generally feeling tired, lethargic or unwell in association with any abdominal symptoms

Guidelines for early diagnosis of gut problems from the British Society of Gastroenterology and Core.