Results

Cause of your symptoms

Your abdominal pain and change in bowel habit may have been caused by something you have eaten.

Advice

Try the treatments outlined below for four weeks but if your abdominal pain does not settle quickly or stops you sleeping or working see your GP.

Treatments

Eat a simple diet and if necessary take antispasmodic tablets for your abdominal pain or discomfort. A pharmacist can advise on suitable treatments.

What now?

If you get better nothing further 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 old and have abdominal pain with loss of weight and or reduction in appetite and a non-specific change in bowel habit but no rectal bleeding.

Additional information if you see your GP

People who eat less to avoid their abdominal pain and or lose a significant amount of weight may have a partial bowel blockage and are likely to be referred for prompt investigation in hospital.