Gut health · Digestive symptoms

When digestive symptoms need checking

Bloating, stomach cramps and changes in bowel habit are very common, and most are not caused by anything serious. Some symptoms, though, should always be assessed by a doctor.

Written by the Vivarta editorial team Last updated 1 October 2026Nutrition & Gut Health Published date set on approval

Call 999 if you are bleeding non-stop from your bottom, or there is a lot of blood or large blood clots when you poo. Ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if your poo is black or dark red, or you have bloody diarrhoea.

See a GP if you have

What we know

The NHS lists these as symptoms that should be checked:

  • a change in your poo, such as softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation, that is not usual for you
  • blood in your poo or bleeding from your bottom
  • tummy pain, or a lump or swelling in your tummy
  • losing weight without trying
  • feeling very tired or short of breath, or a paler skin than usual, which can be signs of anaemia
  • symptoms that might be IBS lasting more than four weeks

These symptoms often have a harmless cause, but they can also be signs of conditions such as bowel cancer, where finding it early makes a real difference.

What IBS is, and isn't

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common, long-term condition that causes stomach pain or cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. There is no single test for IBS. It is usually diagnosed from the pattern of symptoms after other causes have been ruled out with appropriate tests, such as blood tests for coeliac disease.

What may help

For many people, regular meals, adjusting fibre, managing stress, physical activity and, with a dietitian's support, specific diets can help. What works varies from person to person.

Why a home test is not a shortcut

Keep in mind

Home "gut health" and food intolerance tests cannot rule out the conditions that the symptoms above may point to. If you have any of them, see your GP first.

References

  1. NHS. Bowel cancer: symptoms. Accessed 29 September 2026.
  2. NHS. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): symptoms. Accessed 29 September 2026.
  3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Irritable bowel syndrome in adults: diagnosis and management (CG61).

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