Services / Service details
Digestive problems
Investigating abdominal pain, heartburn or changes in bowel habits.
What it involves
Digestive symptoms include heartburn, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting and constipation. They may be brief or recur. Diet, infections, intolerances, medicines and gastrointestinal conditions may contribute.
Helpful information
We ask about duration, frequency, the location of pain, changes in stools and links to meals. Travel, antibiotics, weight changes and family history also matter. A brief food and symptom diary may reveal patterns. Avoid permanently excluding large groups of foods simply on suspicion.
Examination and treatment
After discussing your symptoms and examining you, we decide whether blood or stool tests, ultrasound or gastroenterological assessment are useful. Not every symptom requires every test. Treatment may include dietary changes, treatment of infection or another condition, and suitable medication. With diarrhoea and vomiting, we pay particular attention to fluid balance.
Recognising warning signs
Blood in stools, black stools, unintended weight loss, persistent fever or new lasting symptoms need medical assessment. Very severe abdominal pain, a rigid abdomen, circulation problems or vomiting blood require immediate medical attention. Call 112 for severe symptoms or collapse.
Your appointment at the practice
Please describe your current symptoms when arranging an appointment. Bring your health insurance card, existing medical reports and an up-to-date medication list. Together, we will decide which next steps are appropriate for your situation.