Gastrointestinal symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal issues? Constipation Your child might be constipated if they pass less than 3 stools a week, stools are hard and difficult to pass, stools might be like 'pellets' or rabbit droppings. They might have a poor appetite or abdominal pain which improves once they open their bowels. Your child might also get 'overflow diarrhoea' where more
What it is
GI symptoms cover a huge differential — from common functional disorders (IBS, functional dyspepsia, GORD) to coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, gallstones, pancreatic disease, and (rarely) GI malignancy. Red-flag features dictate the speed and scope of investigation.
Symptoms and signs
- Persistent epigastric pain or burning, particularly worse after meals or at night (GORD, peptic ulcer disease).
- Altered bowel habit lasting more than 6 weeks — particularly in over-50s.
- Rectal bleeding, dark stools or unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia — needs urgent assessment.
- Significant unintended weight loss, persistent vomiting or progressive dysphagia.
- Bloating, pain and altered bowel habit relieved by defecation, with a normal exam (IBS picture).
How we investigate
Bloods including FBC, ferritin, U&E, LFT, calcium, CRP, coeliac serology, faecal calprotectin and H. pylori testing. Direct-access OGD and colonoscopy via partner endoscopy units. CT and MRI imaging where indicated. Functional testing (oesophageal pH and motility, breath testing) in selected cases.
Treatment options at The Vesey
- Functional disorder management — IBS, functional dyspepsia and GORD with structured medication and dietary plans.
- H. pylori eradication — confirmed-positive cases with appropriate triple or quadruple therapy.
- Coeliac disease confirmation and dietary referral — gluten-free pathway with specialist dietetics.
- IBD induction and maintenance therapy — coordinated with secondary-care biologics teams where required.
- Onward surgical and oncological referral — fast-track pathway for any red-flag presentation.
Which symptoms need urgent gastroenterology assessment? +
Rectal bleeding, unintended weight loss, progressive difficulty swallowing, a change in bowel habit lasting more than 6 weeks (particularly in over-50s), and persistent vomiting all warrant prompt investigation to exclude serious pathology including colorectal cancer.
What is the difference between IBS and IBD? +
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a functional disorder — the bowel looks normal on investigation but behaves abnormally. IBD (inflammatory bowel disease — Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) causes visible inflammation that shows on endoscopy and blood tests. The distinction is important because treatment is completely different.
How is coeliac disease tested for? +
A blood test for tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies is the first step and is available same-day at The Vesey. Confirmation requires a duodenal biopsy at OGD — taken while you are still eating gluten. If you have already gone gluten-free, the test result will be falsely negative.
What is faecal calprotectin and why is it useful? +
Faecal calprotectin is a stool marker of intestinal inflammation. A normal result makes IBD highly unlikely and supports an IBS or functional diagnosis. An elevated result prompts endoscopic assessment. It is one of the most useful tests for distinguishing functional from inflammatory gut disease.
Pricing at a glance
Initial gastroenterology consultation £260. Coeliac, H. pylori and faecal calprotectin panel from £190. OGD via partner from £950. Colonoscopy via partner from £1,250. Insurance accepted: BUPA, Vitality, AXA, WPA, Cigna, Aviva, Healix.
Book an appointment
When to see a specialist
Book if you have had persistent GI symptoms for more than 6 weeks, any red-flag feature, or you have an existing diagnosis whose management is not under control.
Cost and pathway
Initial gastroenterology consultation £260. Coeliac, H. pylori and faecal calprotectin panel from £190. OGD via partner from £950. Colonoscopy via partner from £1,250.
- Open 7 days including Sundays — 8am to 8pm, no weekend surcharge
- No GP referral required — book directly with our gastroenterology team
- Sutton Coldfield location — serving Birmingham, Walsall, Tamworth, Lichfield and the West Midlands
- CQC-regulated — rated 4.88/5 on Doctify from 700+ verified reviews
View our gastroenterology services →
Sutton Coldfield · Birmingham · Walsall · Tamworth · Lichfield · West Midlands · Open 7 days 8am–8pm
Open 7 days · 8am–8pm · 0121 387 3727