Bowel Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice

Bowel symptoms can have many causes. An online article or supplement listing cannot identify the cause of abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation or bleeding.

Get the right advice

If symptoms persist, recur or concern you, contact your GP. Unexplained weight loss or blood in your stool should not be ignored. A food supplement is not a substitute for investigating the cause.

When help is urgent

The NHS advises urgent assessment for certain symptoms. Sudden or severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or bloody or black sticky stools can require emergency care. Follow the current advice on the NHS stomach ache page; call 999 or attend A&E for the emergency symptoms listed there.

Prepare for your appointment

It can help to note when symptoms started, whether they come and go, and the medicines or supplements you take. Avoid using a product claim to diagnose yourself or delay seeking care.