Common symptoms associated with gastrointestinal complaints
Gastrointestinal complaints can present in many different ways. Some symptoms are clearly related to digestion, such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation. Other symptoms are less immediately recognisable. Below you will find an overview of common symptoms, with a clear summary for each topic and a link to more detailed information.
View the categories below and read more about the topic that best matches your symptoms.
Quick links
show
hide
Go directly to the topic you are looking for.
Abdominal pain
Pain, pressure or discomfort in and around the abdomen.
Abdominal pain and abdominal complaints
Abdominal pain is a general term for pain or discomfort in the abdomen. The pain often originates from the intestines, but it may also be associated with stress, diet, the stomach, bile ducts, bladder or other organs. The location, duration and course of the pain provide important clues. Read about the different forms of abdominal pain, symptoms that may accompany it and possible causes that are discussed.
Stress and gastrointestinal complaints
Stress can noticeably affect your abdomen and intestines. During periods of tension, the activity of the nervous system and bowel function can change, which may increase symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, stomach pain or changes in bowel habits. Read how stress and the intestines influence each other and why prolonged stress in particular can worsen existing gastrointestinal complaints.
Constipation
Symptoms in which bowel movements are slow, difficult or incomplete.
Constipation of the bowel
With constipation, stools are passed infrequently or with difficulty and are often hard and dry. You may feel the urge to defecate without being able to empty the bowel easily, which can cause an uncomfortable or bloated feeling. Intestinal transit may be slowed, but difficulty emptying the rectum can also play a role. Read more about symptoms, possible causes and additional testing.
Constipation
Constipation is characterised by slow or difficult bowel movements, often with hard, dry stools, straining and a feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely. In some people intestinal transit is slow; in others, the problem mainly concerns emptying the rectum. Read which symptoms are associated with constipation, which factors may contribute and which tests may be relevant.
Diarrhoea
Loose stools, accelerated bowel movements and symptoms that may occur alongside them.
Loose stools / diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is loose or unformed stool that occurs more often than is usual for you. Symptoms may develop suddenly or persist for a longer period and may be accompanied by abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, mucus or blood. The cause can vary considerably, from a temporary infection to a more persistent intestinal problem. Read more about types of diarrhoea, warning signs and possible causes.
Chronic diarrhoea
Chronic diarrhoea is diarrhoea that persists for a longer period and may consist of watery, mucous or variably formed stools. Prolonged loss of fluids and salts can cause problems, particularly in vulnerable groups. The underlying cause is not always immediately clear. Read which symptoms are associated with chronic diarrhoea, which causes are discussed and when further investigation may be important.
Acute diarrhoea
Acute diarrhoea starts suddenly and consists of loose or watery stools that may occur several times a day. Symptoms often resolve within a few days, but infection with bacteria, viruses or parasites can play a role. Abdominal cramps, nausea, fever and dehydration may also occur. Read more about possible causes, accompanying symptoms and when extra attention is needed.
Passing wind, gas and flatulence
Gas formation is a normal part of digestion: intestinal bacteria produce gases every day that then leave the body. When the amount increases noticeably, this can lead to flatulence, bloating, cramps or social discomfort. Diet, gut bacteria and the speed of intestinal transit can all play a role. Read more about causes of excessive gas and associated symptoms.
Bloating
A bloated, tense or visibly swollen abdomen.
Swollen or bloated abdomen
A bloated abdomen may be visible, but you can also feel very bloated without the abdomen looking clearly larger. Gas formation, changes in the gut flora, diet and the speed of digestion can all play a role. Flatulence, nausea or reduced appetite may also occur. Read more about possible causes and characteristics of bloating.
Nausea
A queasy feeling, nausea and symptoms associated with vomiting.
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea often causes a queasy or unsettled feeling in the stomach area and may be accompanied by increased saliva, sweating or the urge to vomit. It can start acutely, for example with a foodborne infection, but may also recur with problems affecting the stomach or oesophagus. Read which causes of nausea and vomiting are discussed and which accompanying symptoms may be important.
Stomach pain
Pain and discomfort in the upper part of the digestive system.
Stomach pain and stomach complaints
Stomach pain occurs in the upper abdomen and may be associated with stomach acid, irritation of the stomach lining, diet or inflammation. Symptoms may feel burning or aching and can sometimes be accompanied by nausea or radiating pain. Read how the stomach is protected from stomach acid, which factors can cause stomach pain and when persistent symptoms should be assessed further.
Heartburn
Heartburn, acid regurgitation and irritation of the oesophagus.
Heartburn / acid reflux
With heartburn, stomach contents flow back towards the oesophagus, which can cause irritation and a burning sensation behind the breastbone. A sour taste, acid regurgitation, nausea or an irritated throat may also occur. Recurrent symptoms can have various causes. Read which factors can trigger heartburn and which symptoms are a reason to investigate further.
Increased urgency
Sudden urgency and difficulty holding back stool.
Increased urgency and faecal incontinence
With increased urgency, a strong need to use the toilet comes on suddenly and it may be difficult to hold back stool. Sometimes this results in involuntary loss of stool. Changes in bowel function, stool consistency and control of the sphincter muscles can all play a role. Read more about possible causes of strong urgency and factors that can influence faecal incontinence.
Anal itching
Itching and irritation around the anus.
Perianal itching and pruritus
Anal itching is a tickling or irritating sensation around the anus and can be severe enough to disrupt sleep or daily activities. Causes range from skin irritation and personal-care products to haemorrhoids, allergies or infections. The timing of the itching and accompanying skin or intestinal symptoms can provide clues. Read more about possible causes and points to consider.
Poor digestion
Symptoms that can develop when digestion is not functioning optimally.
Digestive problems
Digestion consists of several stages in which the mouth, stomach, bile, pancreas, intestinal wall and gut flora work together to break down food and absorb nutrients. When one part does not function properly, symptoms such as abdominal pain, heartburn, flatulence or abnormal stools can develop. Read which processes are involved in digestion and where disturbances can occur.
Abnormal stools
Changes in the colour, smell, shape, composition or contents of the stool.
What does the colour of your stool mean?
Normal stool ranges from light to dark brown, but diet, medicines, bile, intestinal transit and blood can change its colour. A one-off change is not always a cause for concern, whereas a persistent change may sometimes require more attention. Read what yellow, green, pale, red or black stool can mean and which accompanying symptoms are important when assessing stool colour.
Pale stools
Pale, beige or greyish stools differ from the usual brown colour. Because bile and bilirubin contribute to the normal colour, a change may be associated with the bile ducts, liver, pancreas or fat digestion. Diet and other factors may also have an effect. Read which features are associated with pale stools and when it is advisable to have the cause medically assessed.
Yellow stools
Yellow stools can occur temporarily and have several possible explanations. The colour may be related to diet, accelerated intestinal transit, bile, digestion or an underlying intestinal condition. When yellow stools are accompanied by diarrhoea, a strong smell or other clear symptoms, it can be useful to investigate further. Read which causes and accompanying symptoms are discussed on the page.
Black stools
Black stools can be caused by food, supplements or medicines, but very dark, tarry stools can also be associated with bleeding higher up in the gastrointestinal tract. It is therefore important to look not only at the colour but also at the texture and accompanying symptoms. Read which causes are discussed and why black stools can sometimes be a reason to seek medical advice promptly.
Blood in the stool
Blood in or with the stool may be visibly red, mixed with mucus or detectable only with a laboratory test. Possible causes range from irritation or haemorrhoids to inflammation, polyps and other gastrointestinal conditions. Blood loss should be taken seriously. Read which forms of bleeding can occur and which tests and follow-up steps are discussed.
Soft, mushy stools
Soft, mushy stools are poorly formed and may be sticky or cling to the toilet bowl. Consistency is influenced by the speed of intestinal transit, fluid absorption, diet and digestive function. If this pattern persists or occurs alongside other symptoms, further investigation may be useful. Read more about possible causes and associated symptoms.
Strong-smelling stools
The smell of stool is determined in part by bacterial fermentation and the breakdown of nutrients. A clear, persistent change in smell may occur alongside changes in digestion, diet, gut flora or infections. Especially when stools are also sticky, pale or abnormal in shape, it may be useful to investigate further. Read which factors can influence a strong smell.
Fatty stools
When fat digestion or fat absorption is reduced, stools can become greasy, sticky, pale and difficult to flush. Fat processing depends on the stomach, bile, pancreas and small intestine, among other factors. When fat is not absorbed sufficiently, fat-soluble vitamins may also become less available. Read which causes of fatty stools are discussed and which tests may be relevant.
Mucus in the stool
Mucus is normally produced by the intestinal lining but is usually not clearly visible in the stool. Visible mucus can occur with irritation, constipation or inflammatory processes and may sometimes be accompanied by blood, flatulence or changing bowel habits. Read where the mucus comes from, which accompanying symptoms are important and which possible causes are discussed.
Insomnia
Sleep problems that may occur alongside abdominal and intestinal complaints.
Insomnia with gastrointestinal complaints
Insomnia means that falling asleep or staying asleep is difficult and that sleep may not be sufficiently restorative. Gastrointestinal complaints can directly disrupt sleep, for example through pain, urgency or reflux, while fatigue and stress can in turn worsen symptoms during the day. Read more about the interaction between sleep and gastrointestinal complaints and which factors may play a role in persistent insomnia.
Palpitations
A rapid, forceful or irregular heartbeat that needs to be considered in context.
Rapid heartbeat / palpitations
Palpitations may feel as though the heart is beating faster, harder or more irregularly than normal. There are many possible causes and the symptom is not specific to the intestines. The context in which palpitations occur and any accompanying symptoms are therefore important. Read which physical factors are discussed on the page and when palpitations are a reason to seek medical advice.
Overweight
Weight gain and factors associated with metabolism and gut health.
Overweight, weight gain and increased body fat
Overweight means that body weight is above a healthy range because of an increase in body fat. Weight is influenced by diet, physical activity, metabolism, sleep, medication and other factors. The page also looks at possible relationships between overweight and gastrointestinal complaints. Read which symptoms often occur together and which factors related to weight gain are discussed.
Hair loss
Increased hair loss and possible physical factors that may contribute.
Hair loss / thinning hair
Hair loss can present as more hair loss than usual, thinning hair or changes in the hair follicles. Possible causes range from hereditary and hormonal factors to stress, diet and physical conditions. When hair loss occurs alongside other symptoms, the overall pattern may provide relevant clues. Read which forms and possible causes of hair loss are discussed.
Depressive symptoms
The interaction between mood, stress and the gastrointestinal system.
Depression and gastrointestinal complaints
Depressive symptoms and gastrointestinal complaints can occur at the same time. The brain and intestines continuously communicate through nerve pathways, hormones and other signalling routes, which is why the so-called gut-brain axis is the subject of extensive research. This does not mean that gastrointestinal complaints explain depression, but the interaction may be relevant. Read more about the relationship between mood, stress and the gastrointestinal system.
Weight loss
Unintentional weight loss and possible physical explanations.
Weight loss
Weight loss means that your body weight decreases. When this happens intentionally because of changes in diet or physical activity, it is different from unexplained, unintentional weight loss. A noticeable decrease in weight may be related to food intake, nutrient absorption, metabolism or a physical condition. Read when weight loss deserves extra attention and which possible causes are discussed.
Itching
Itching of the skin or mucous membranes and possible underlying factors.
Causes of itching
Itching is an irritating sensation of the skin or mucous membranes that creates an urge to scratch or rub. It can occur locally or across the body and has many possible causes, including skin problems, allergic reactions, irritation and other physical factors. Read which forms of itching are discussed and which accompanying symptoms can help in looking for an explanation.
Fatigue
Persistent lack of energy that may occur alongside gastrointestinal complaints.
Fatigue and gastrointestinal complaints
Persistent fatigue can present as a lack of energy, drowsiness, reduced motivation or insufficient recovery after rest. There are many possible causes. When fatigue occurs alongside gastrointestinal complaints, factors such as diet, nutrient absorption, sleep, inflammation and other physical factors may be considered. Read which possible relationships and causes are discussed on the page.
Headache
Headache in relation to the broader pattern of symptoms.
Headache
Headache can occur in different parts of the head and range from a feeling of pressure to severe, recurrent pain. There are many possible causes, and headache is not specific to intestinal problems. When it coincides with diet, fatigue or other physical symptoms, the broader pattern may be relevant. Read which possible factors and relationships are discussed on the page.
Gastrointestinal complaints after eating bread
Symptoms after eating bread or grains and possible explanations for them.
Gastrointestinal complaints after eating bread or grains
Some people notice that abdominal or intestinal complaints develop or worsen after eating bread or other grains. This does not automatically mean that gluten is the cause: other components of food may also play a role. It is important to assess symptoms and dietary patterns carefully. Read which possible explanations are discussed and why avoiding gluten for a long time on your own can sometimes make testing more difficult.
