What are your symptoms?
Each symptom lists the conditions that commonly cause it and how soon to be seen. This is a guide, not a diagnosis. Only an examination can confirm the cause.
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Blood when I wipe or in the bowl
Bright red blood on the paper or in the toilet.
Commonly caused by
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Black, tarry stools
Can mean bleeding higher up the gut.
Commonly caused by
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Sharp pain when passing stool
Often with a little bright blood.
Commonly caused by
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A lump at the back passage
Soft or tender, coming out or staying out.
Commonly caused by
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A painful, hot swelling near the anus
Especially with fever or throbbing pain.
Commonly caused by
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Discharge or a boil that keeps coming back
Wetness, pus or staining near the anus.
Commonly caused by
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Itching around the anus
Persistent itch, worse at night.
Commonly caused by
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A change in bowel habit
Looser, harder or more frequent stools for weeks.
Commonly caused by
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Constipation that keeps coming back
Hard stools, straining or not emptying fully.
Commonly caused by
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A lump under the skin
Soft and fatty, or a round cyst with a pore.
Commonly caused by
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Leaking or urgency
Accidents, or not reaching the toilet in time.
Commonly caused by
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Pain in the lower tummy
Cramping, bloating or a constant ache.
Commonly caused by
- Seek care today
Pain that moves to the lower right side
With fever, nausea or loss of appetite.
Commonly caused by
- Seek care today
Swollen tummy, vomiting, no wind passing
Signs the bowel may be blocked.
Commonly caused by
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Weight loss, tiredness or anaemia
Without a clear reason.
Commonly caused by
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Pain after fatty meals, upper right side
Often in the evening or at night.
Commonly caused by
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Heartburn, reflux or upper tummy pain
Burning or discomfort that keeps returning.
Commonly caused by
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A lump in the groin or at the belly button
Often bigger when you cough or stand.
Commonly caused by
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No symptoms, but age 50 or a family history
Time to think about screening.
Commonly caused by
When not to wait
Heavy bleeding, black stools, feeling faint, severe abdominal pain with fever, or a swollen tummy with vomiting and no wind passing need same-day care. Call 995 or go to an emergency department.