Gastroenterology

We also offer private gastroenterology consultation, diagnosis and treatment for the following:

Abdominal pain

There are many causes of abdominal pain, from the dull ache of period cramps to the sharper pains you might feel if you have indigestion. You might also get stomach pain if you’re lactose intolerant, have a hernia, gallstones or appendicitis.

Acid reflux

Acid reflux can be caused by many things, including certain food and drink, being overweight, stress or anxiety or even some medicines such as ibuprofen. If you have acid reflux, you may find you suffer with heartburn, or a sour taste in your mouth, caused by the acid.

Anaemia

There are many forms of anaemia, where you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen around your body. Your symptoms might include a lack of energy, heart palpitations, a shortness of breath or dizziness. We can perform a simple blood test to check whether you’re anaemic.

Colonic bleeding

Also known as rectal bleeding; this is where you bleed from the colon, rectum or anus as a result of an anal fissure, diverticulitis, haemorrhoids or polyps. Haemorrhoids are the most common cause of colonic bleeding.

Dysphagia

This is when you have difficulty swallowing certain foods or drinks or can’t swallow at all. We can advise on which treatment would best suit you – from exercises to help the muscles you use for swallowing or changing the foods you eat, to medicines or surgery.

Heartburn

This is a pain in your chest, behind your breastbone, caused by stomach acid travelling back up towards your throat. You might find that the pain is worse after eating, or in the evening.

Hydrogen breath test for lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. If you’re lactose intolerant you might find you suffer with diarrhoea, cramping or bloating. During the breath test you’ll be asked to drink liquid which contains lactose, then blow into balloon-like bags at short intervals. The air you breathe out will be tested for hydrogen, which indicates undigested lactose in your gut.

Nausea

Nausea, or feeling sick, usually goes away on its own. If your nausea lasts for more than a few days, or keeps coming back, you should seek medical advice.