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.
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 £290. 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 4.87/5 on Doctify from 350+ 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