When to see your doctor
General information — not a diagnosis. If something here sounds like you, the next step is simply to book an appointment with your GP or specialist.
Most tummy symptoms are common and settle on their own. But a few are worth getting checked sooner rather than later — not because they always mean something serious, but because they're worth looking into:
- Blood in your stool, or black, tarry bowel motions.
- A lasting change in your usual bowel habit (looser, more often, or new constipation) that sticks around for a few weeks.
- Losing weight without trying to.
- Tummy pain that keeps coming back or wakes you at night.
- Trouble swallowing, or food feeling like it gets stuck.
- Feeling very tired, or being told you're low in iron without a clear reason.
- A family history of bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
None of these is a diagnosis, and having one doesn't mean you have something serious — but they're all good reasons to have a chat with your doctor, who can decide whether any tests are needed.
Call 000 (or go to your nearest emergency department) for heavy rectal bleeding, severe or sudden tummy pain, persistent vomiting, or if you feel very unwell.
Reviewed by Dr Sivasuthan, 6 July 2026
General gut-health education from your care team. It doesn't replace advice from your doctor or an Accredited Practising Dietitian — please talk to them about your own situation.