Everyone experiences occasional digestive upsets such as indigestion, flatulence or a disturbance of bowel habit. These can be regarded as normal andare often caused by diet, lifestyle or a change in routine.

If symptoms of this sort persist or worsen, or if you develop new digestive symptoms which you have not previously experienced, these may be caused by a digestive disorder which needs treatment.

You should see your doctor if you experience the following symptoms, particularly if they are unexpected or persistent:

	Abdominal pain before or after meals.
	Persistent feeling of fullness, bloating or flatulence.
	Nausea or vomiting.
	Heartburn, regurgitation or waterbrash.
	Pain or difficulty in swallowing.
	Loss of appetite.
	Continuing unexplained weightloss.
	Indigestion developing for the first time in mid or later life.
	Persisting diarrhoea, constipation or any alteration in bowel habit.
	Change in your stools (bowel motions), especially if they become black, dark red, pale or contain mucus (slime).
	Bleeding when you pass a stool.
	Pain when you pass a stool.
	Feeling that your bowels are emptying incompletely.
	Generally feeling tired, lethargic or unwell in association with any abdominal symptoms.