Understanding your digestive symptoms
Digestive symptoms can have several causes. A useful assessment considers when symptoms began, their pattern, medicines, diet, previous investigations and any warning signs. The goal is to choose the next step that is most likely to help rather than ordering the same tests for everyone.
Conditions assessed
Oesophagus: reflux, heartburn, swallowing difficulty and possible narrowing or inflammation.
Stomach and duodenum: indigestion, ulcers, Helicobacter pylori infection and persistent upper abdominal symptoms.
Bowel: constipation, diarrhoea, altered bowel habits, irritable bowel syndrome and assessment or follow-up of inflammatory bowel disease.
When might an endoscopy be recommended?
The decision depends on your age, examination, symptom pattern, results, family history and warning signs. Difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, gastrointestinal bleeding or iron-deficiency anaemia may need prompt investigation. A previous normal endoscopy does not remove the need to reassess a new problem. Read about gastroscopy and colonoscopy.
Make your appointment useful
Bring previous imaging, endoscopy and biopsy reports, blood tests and a medicine list. Describe the timing of pain, bleeding, swallowing problems, weight change and bowel symptoms. Tell the team about antibiotics, acid-suppressing treatment, diabetes medicines and blood thinners; some investigations need a planned preparation.
Urgent symptoms
Vomiting blood, substantial bleeding, black stools with dizziness, severe persistent abdominal pain, inability to swallow saliva, fainting or confusion need urgent medical assessment. Do not wait for an online booking reply.
Request a consultation · Endoscopy services · Liver care. This information is educational and does not replace an individual diagnosis.