Common digestive problems - and how to treat them

Digestive complaints such as constipation, diarrhoea, heartburn and bloating are incredibly common but usually treatable.

Medicines that can upset your tummy

When to see a doctor



Around 40% of people have at least one digestive symptom at any one time, according to Dr Anton Emmanuel, consultant gastroenterologist at University College Hospital in London.

The most common are:

-   abdominal pain
-   changes in bowel habit (usually [constipation](/health-library/conditions/constipation) or [diarrhoea](/health-library/symptoms/diarrhoea) )
-   [indigestion](/health-library/conditions/indigestion)
-   [heartburn](/health-library/conditions/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease)

"Most digestive problems are to do with lifestyle, the foods we've eaten, or stress. Which means that taking steps to change your lifestyle can help, and often prevent, many of these problems," said Dr Emmanuel.

"There's a wide choice of pharmacy remedies for heartburn, indigestion and similar problems that are very good for the short-term relief of symptoms", he added.

## Medicines that can upset your tummy

Certain medicines that your doctor may have prescribed for you for other health conditions can lead to side effects that may upset your tummy and cause indigestion, diarrhoea or constipation.

Avoid aspirin and medicines used to treat [arthritis](/health-library/conditions/arthritis) , known as [non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)](/health-library/drugs/anti-inflammatories-non-steroidal) , if you have an ulcer or you get indigestion. Consult your doctor if you rely on these medicines and are also prone to indigestion or ulcers. [Paracetamol](/health-library/drugs/painkillers-paracetamol) is a useful alternative.

Certain tranquillisers, painkillers, iron tablets and cough medicines can cause constipation and some people get diarrhoea while taking [antibiotics](/health-library/drugs/antibiotics-penicillins) or blood pressure pills.

Always tell your doctor if your prescribed medicines are upsetting your tummy.


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## When to see a doctor

Digestive symptoms are usually harmless and often settle down by themselves but sometimes they don't go away and can be a signal of serious illness.

Dr Emmanuel advised anyone who has taken a pharmacy remedy for a digestive problem for two weeks with no improvement to see their doctor.

He also highlighted five symptoms, which mean you should see a doctor straight away. These symptoms may be an alarm warning of a serious digestive illness:

-   a sudden, persistent change in the pattern of how your bowels work
-   [bleeding from the bottom](/health-library/symptoms/rectal-bleeding)
-   worsening heartburn, indigestion or stomach pain
-   losing weight unexpectedly
-   [difficulty swallowing](/health-library/conditions/dysphagia/#definition)


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References

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Digestive complaints such as constipation, diarrhoea, heartburn and bloating are very common and usually treatable with lifestyle measures and over-the-counter remedies.