For Patients
When to See a Specialist
Digestive symptoms are common, but they do not always indicate a serious illness. Most symptoms are first assessed by a GP, who can arrange initial tests if needed and refer you for a consultation with a gastroenterologist.
Important. This information is not a substitute for medical advice.
When should you see a GP or gastroenterologist?
If these symptoms persist for longer than 2–4 weeks, recur or affect your quality of life, you should seek medical advice:
- heartburn or regurgitation of acidic stomach contents;
- recurrent or persistent abdominal pain;
- bloating or increased gas;
- nausea or feeling full quickly;
- persistent diarrhoea or constipation;
- a change in bowel habits;
- difficulty or pain when swallowing;
- blood in the stool or a positive faecal occult blood test;
- unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia;
- raised liver enzyme levels or diagnosed liver disease;
- suspected coeliac disease or food intolerance;
- unexplained weight loss;
- a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or other hereditary digestive diseases.
When might a preventive consultation be recommended?
A consultation with a gastroenterologist or preventive tests may be recommended if:
- you are within the target age group for the colorectal cancer screening programme;
- you have been diagnosed with colorectal polyps and require surveillance;
- you have chronic liver or pancreatic disease, or inflammatory bowel disease;
- there is a family history of early-onset colorectal cancer or other hereditary digestive diseases.
When should you seek immediate medical attention?
If you experience any of the following symptoms:
- vomiting blood or dark material resembling coffee grounds;
- black, tarry stools;
- rectal bleeding;
- sudden, very severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain;
- a hard, tense abdomen accompanied by severe pain;
- you are unable to swallow even saliva or food has become completely lodged in the oesophagus;
- persistent vomiting or severe diarrhoea with signs of dehydration, such as severe weakness, dizziness or significantly reduced urination;
- a high temperature accompanied by severe abdominal pain;
- yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes accompanied by fever, severe abdominal pain or dark urine;
- fainting or marked weakness accompanied by signs of bleeding.