First, some reassurance. Most people with this symptom do not have anything serious — but it is always better to know than to worry. A quick assessment can put your mind at rest or get treatment started early, when it works best.
Common, usually harmless causes
An infection that is taking its time
Some tummy bugs leave the bowel irritable for several weeks afterwards.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
A common cause of recurrent, urgent or loose stools, often with cramps and bloating.
Food intolerances or medication
Lactose, certain medicines and even too much caffeine can be the culprit.
Why it's worth getting checked
Persistent diarrhoea can occasionally be due to inflammatory bowel disease, a problem with how you absorb food, or — less often — a polyp or bowel cancer. The sooner the cause is found, the simpler the treatment usually is.
When to get this checked
Please arrange to be seen if:
- Your diarrhoea has lasted more than two to three weeks
- It wakes you from sleep at night
- There is blood or mucus in your stool
- You also have tummy pain, weight loss, or feel very tired
- It keeps returning even after you feel better
Get urgent help now if…
Go to A&E or call 999 (or NHS 111 for advice) if:
- You cannot keep any fluids down and feel very dehydrated
- There is a lot of blood in your stool
- Severe tummy pain with a high fever
These need emergency care, not a routine appointment. Please do not wait for a private booking.
How I can help — and how quickly
If your symptom is not an emergency, you do not have to sit on a waiting list to get answers. Here is how it usually works:
- A quick telephone consultation. Often arranged within 24 hours. I listen to your history and explain what is likely going on.
- The right test, arranged fast. Where appropriate, I can organise a stool and blood tests, and often a colonoscopy, to pinpoint the cause promptly — sometimes before your first face-to-face visit, to speed things up.
- Clear answers and a plan. We go through your results together, and I explain exactly what they mean and what happens next.
Some symptoms need an in-person examination first, and I will always tell you honestly what the best next step is for you.
Why patients choose me
- JAG-accredited in colonoscopy & gastroscopy
- Near-100% caecal intubation rate at colonoscopy
- 8,000+ procedures performed
- FRCS — Consultant Colorectal & General Surgeon
Request a telephone consultation
Prefer a call before coming in? Leave your details below and my secretary will contact you to arrange a telephone consultation, usually within 24 hours. Where appropriate, a phone consultation can fast-track you straight to the right test.
Prefer to email directly? Email a 24-hour callback request · or call 01926 935121
Your details are used only to arrange your consultation. Please don't include sensitive medical information in this form.
Get seen quickly
Call my secretary to arrange a fast appointment, or book online via my Nuffield Health profile. I see patients privately at Nuffield Health Warwickshire Hospital, Leamington Spa.
Call 01926 935121Common questions
When does diarrhoea become a concern?
Most short bouts settle within a few days. Diarrhoea lasting more than two to three weeks, or with blood, weight loss or night-time symptoms, should be assessed.
What will the assessment involve?
Usually some simple tests first, and a colonoscopy if needed. I will only recommend what is genuinely useful for you.
How quickly can I be seen?
A telephone consultation can often be arranged within a day or two, with tests organised soon after.