Results

Cause of your symptoms

Your abdominal pain and constipation are likely to be due to functional bowel problems if they settle quickly.

Advice

Try the treatments outlined below for four weeks but if your abdominal pain or discomfort prevents any of your activities including working or sleeping see your GP.

Treatments

Eat more roughage and take laxatives to make your stools softer and easier to pass and your abdominal pain or discomfort may respond to anti-spasmodic tablets. A pharmacist can advise on suitable treatments.

What now?

If you get better nothing else needs to be done. However, if your symptoms persist for four more weeks or recur after stopping treatment, see your GP.

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You are under 50 years of age and have constipation and abdominal pain or discomfort without loss of weight or reduction in appetite.

Additional information if you see your GP

Your GP will probably examine of your tummy and back passage and do a blood test. If these are normal you are at very low risk of having serious bowel disease and it would be reasonable to advise a further period of treat, watch and wait. However, if your symptoms do not settle completely your GP will probably refer you to a routine hospital clinic for further investigations and advice on how to manage your symptoms.