Abdominal pain

Everyone experiences tummy aches from time to time – but if your abdominal pain is persistent, recurrent or interfering with daily life, it may be linked to a bowel problem. At the Rapid Access Bowel Clinic, we specialise in diagnosing and treating the many possible causes of abdominal pain, with fast access to investigations and expert care. If you’ve been living with unexplained pain in your abdomen, don’t ignore it. We’re here to help you find the cause – and the right treatment.

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What does abdominal pain feel like?

Abdominal pain can vary widely from person to person. You might describe it as:

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• Cramping or spasms

• Dull and achy

• Sharp or stabbing

• Burning or gnawing

• Localised to one area (e.g. lower left or right side)

• Widespread across your whole tummy

 

Some pain comes and goes (colicky pain), while other types may be constant. It may get worse after eating, at night, or just before opening your bowels. Understanding the type and pattern of pain is key to identifying its cause.

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Common bowel-related causes of abdominal pain

There are many digestive and bowel conditions that can lead to abdominal discomfort or pain. These include:

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• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – one of the most common causes of cramping pain, often relieved by passing wind or stool

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, which cause inflammation and pain

• Constipation – hard stool in the bowel can cause bloating, cramps, and pressure

• Diverticular disease – small pouches in the bowel wall that can become inflamed or infected

• Bowel obstruction – where something blocks the flow of stool or gas, causing severe, colicky pain and vomiting

• Coeliac disease – an autoimmune response to gluten that can cause bloating, discomfort and diarrhoea

• Bowel cancer – particularly if pain is persistent, one-sided, or accompanied by weight loss, blood in stool or change in bowel habit

 

Other conditions like gynaecological problems, urinary infections, and gallstones can also cause abdominal pain, so it’s important to get the right diagnosis.

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When should I worry about abdominal pain?

You should see a bowel specialist if you experience:

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• Ongoing or worsening abdominal pain

• Pain that interferes with eating, sleep or daily life

• Pain accompanied by weight loss, fatigue or changes in bowel habits

• Blood in your stool or mucus

• Diarrhoea or constipation that doesn’t go away

• Bloating, loss of appetite or feeling full quickly

 

If the pain is sudden, severe, or comes with vomiting or fever, seek urgent medical help.

 

How we investigate abdominal pain

At The Rapid Access Bowel Clinic, we begin with a detailed consultation to understand your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. Depending on your case, we may recommend:

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• Blood tests – to check for infection, inflammation, anaemia or organ function

• Stool tests – to look for signs of bowel inflammation, infection or hidden blood

• Colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy – to directly examine the bowel lining

• Imaging tests – such as abdominal ultrasound, CT or MRI scans

• Coeliac screening – to test for gluten sensitivity

 

Our consultants will explain every step clearly, and we’ll keep your comfort and dignity at the heart of your care.

 

Treatment options

Your treatment will depend on the cause of your abdominal pain. This may include:

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• Dietary changes – including low-FODMAP or gluten-free diets

• Medication – to reduce inflammation, relieve cramping, or treat infection

• Laxatives or stool softeners – for constipation-related pain

• Antispasmodics or probiotics – for managing IBS

• Surgery or oncology referral – if more serious conditions are found

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We will work with you to create a personalised treatment plan focused on relief, recovery, and long-term wellbeing.