Rising Gastrointestinal Issues In The UK
Mr Samuel Ford - Consultant Upper GI Surgeon
Gastrointestinal issues (GI) are on the rise in the UK. While over half (58%) the population suffers with uncomfortable symptoms, nearly two-thirds of us are still too embarrassed to talk about gut health.
In a bid to shed light on this subject, we’ve spoken to our consultant surgeon, Sam Ford. After graduating from the University of Birmingham in 2001, Sam undertook specialist surgical training in general and upper GI surgery. He’s an expert in all things related to gastroenterology and, today, will be discussing common GI issues, their symptoms and treatment options available for them.
Which digestive health issues do you see most often among your patients?
In my private practice, the two most common issues I see are gallstones and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
Gallstones in particular can be difficult to diagnose because they don’t always have obvious symptoms. Even when a patient is symptomatic, it’s very easy for their concerns to be mistaken for something else.
However, typical-symptoms for gallstones include:
- Pain in the upper right abdomen which can move up the back into the lower chest and right shoulder blade. This pain can come in waves and can be very debilitating
- Pain after eating fatty or spicy foods
- Waking up in the middle of the night (usually around 2/3am) in pain
- Flatulence and/or abdominal bloating
- Biliary dyskinesia, a condition where the gallbladder or bile ducts don’t work properly, causing problems with the flow of bile, typically causes more constant pain which occurs after eating
Are there certain times of year, like the festive season, when digestive problems become more common? If so, why?
Absolutely, yes! We consume a lot of rich foods and drink over the festive period which can trigger symptoms of GI conditions. We see a lot of patients who are suffering from digestive issues in January, but this is also because it ties into the New Year–people being far more health conscience. This is commonly a time patients set resolutions and on the back of that, decide to get their symptoms checked out once and for all.
Are there any steps people can take to prevent or ease digestive symptoms during times like Christmas or holidays, when eating and drinking habits tend to change?
As with any health concern, it’s important that patients make lifestyle modifications. This may include:
- Avoid eating late at night
- Don’t lay flat in bed. Try sleeping with a couple pillows so you’re more upright or you can tilt the head of your bed up with something hard and sturdy such as bricks
- Keep a food diary so you’re aware of your triggers (this can be anything from red wine to raspberries)
- Sleep on your left side to prevent acid reaching the oesophagus
- Losing weight (if needed), can help to alleviate symptoms because the weight of the abdomen pushes stomach content into the oesophagus)
- Take over-the-counter antacids at night
- Speak to your doctor about being prescribed a medication which can help relieve symptoms.
However, if you suffer from conditions such as biliary colic, avoiding fatty and spicy foods is key–not just during festive periods, but throughout the year. Both are big triggers of painful and uncomfortable symptoms.
Around 58% of people experience uncomfortable digestive symptoms
Do you feel that digestive health problems are becoming more common? If so, what factors do you think are contributing to that?
There’s no doubt that we’ve seen a rise in gastrointestinal conditions in recent years, but I believe it’s a combination of factors driving this trend. On one hand, increased access to health information online means people are more aware of their symptoms and what might be causing them. They’re more likely to recognise when something isn’t right and seek help — which is a positive shift. At the same time, lifestyle factors are playing a significant role. Rising obesity rates are a key contributor, as being overweight increases the risk of conditions like gallstones and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Diet is another big factor — highly processed foods, which are now a major part of many people’s diets, are known to trigger a range of digestive symptoms.
What are the treatment options for anyone who regularly suffers with gastrointestinal issues?
First and foremost, we always encourage lifestyle changes, as these can not only help relieve symptoms but also prevent gastrointestinal issues from developing in the first place.
For some patients, over-the-counter antacids are enough to manage their symptoms. Others may need prescription medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers. PPIs are one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for acid-related conditions like GORD — they work by reducing stomach acid production. You can often spot these drugs by the suffix -prazole, such as omeprazole or lansoprazole.
In more severe or persistent cases, a surgical option like fundoplication may be considered. This is a procedure that helps prevent acid from flowing back into the oesophagus. While there’s a small risk of side effects, it’s generally a very effective treatment for patients with chronic GORD.
What are the potential risks of ignoring ongoing digestive problems, even if the symptoms seem manageable?
When gallstones become large or remain lodged for an extended period, they can lead to infection — which is not only incredibly painful but potentially serious. Fortunately, this can often be detected with a simple ultrasound of the gallbladder. If an infection is present, antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat it. However, if left untreated, the situation can escalate. In some cases, surgical removal of the gallbladder may become necessary. More seriously, complications like acute pancreatitis — a painful and potentially life-threatening condition — can develop. Similarly, with chronic GORD, ongoing acid reflux can weaken the lower oesophageal sphincter — the muscle that separates the oesophagus from the stomach. Over time, this can lead to a hiatal hernia, where part of the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity. While many hiatal hernias are manageable, more severe types — like type 3 or 4 — can cause major complications. At that point, much of the stomach may sit in the chest rather than the abdomen, increasing the risk of twisting and cutting off its own blood supply. Although these cases are rare, they underscore why it’s so important to address symptoms early. We’d much rather treat patients with planned, minimally invasive keyhole surgery than have to perform emergency operations in a crisis.
What are the benefits of choosing Get Well Soon for the treatment of digestive problems?
All of our experts are carefully selected for their exceptional qualifications and experience, so you can feel confident you’re in safe, capable hands.
We also pride ourselves on being accessible — with no long waiting lists, you can see a consultant quickly and begin treatment without unnecessary delays.
Sometimes, patients don’t need a procedure — just reassurance. We understand how overwhelming it can be to turn to Google for answers, and having your symptoms properly assessed by a specialist can offer real peace of mind that nothing more serious is going on.
To find out more about how we can help, head to our gastroscopy page or book in for a no-obligation call.