Location, timing, food relation and associated symptoms help narrow the possibilities.
Frequent symptoms may need medication review, lifestyle assessment or further investigation.
Persistent diarrhoea, constipation or a marked change from baseline deserves attention.
These symptoms can arise from several gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal causes.
What the GP may consider
The next step depends on the clinical picture.
Primary care combines history, examination and targeted investigation where appropriate. The goal is not to test everything, but to answer the right clinical questions.
Diet, medication, travel, stress, weight change, bowel pattern and family history may all matter.
Abdominal examination can help identify tenderness, distension or other findings.
Blood tests, stool tests, imaging or other investigations may be considered selectively.
Persistent symptoms or warning features may require gastroenterology or surgical review.
Severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black stools, significant rectal bleeding, persistent vomiting, collapse or a rigid abdomen requires urgent assessment. If you are unsure and symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, seek urgent medical assessment.
Book a consultation
Online information cannot replace an examination when one is needed.
Book an in-person or teleconsultation with the Bryanston practice and let the doctor guide the next step.
Condition enquiry
Still unsure what your symptoms mean?
Describe what is concerning you and the practice can help guide whether an in-person consultation, teleconsultation or another route is appropriate.
Please do not use this form or WhatsApp for emergencies or send unnecessary sensitive medical information in an initial enquiry.