What the consultation explores
Your doctor may ask about bowel habits, meals, medicines, weight change, fever, vomiting, bleeding, urinary symptoms and previous surgery or tests.
Possible tests
Testing is selected after assessment and may include blood or stool tests, ultrasound, endoscopy, colonoscopy or other imaging. Not every patient needs every test.
Avoid masking warning signs
Repeated self-treatment without assessment can delay diagnosis. Bring previous reports and a complete medicine list to your visit.
When pain is urgent
Sudden severe pain, a rigid or swollen abdomen, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, persistent vomiting, breathing difficulty or pain with pregnancy requires urgent care.
Questions patients often ask
Will I need an endoscopy?+
Only if your symptoms and assessment suggest it would add useful information or treatment.
Can constipation cause pain?+
Constipation can be associated with discomfort and bloating, but significant or persistent pain should not automatically be attributed to it.
What should I bring?+
Bring previous test results, imaging, prescriptions and a list of symptoms and medicines.