Comprehensive care for digestive disorders by Dr. Akeel Alisa
Everyone experiences occasional changes in bowel movements — for example, after a change in diet, stress, or a short-term infection. However, when constipation, diarrhoea, or irregular bowel habits become persistent, it may signal an underlying digestive condition that requires medical attention.
Bowel health is a key indicator of overall wellbeing. A change in bowel habits may be temporary and harmless, but in some cases, it can point to conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), infections, food intolerances, or even bowel cancer. Recognising when to seek help is crucial.
Constipation is defined as infrequent or difficult bowel movements. While “normal” bowel frequency varies, passing fewer than three stools per week, straining excessively, or passing hard, dry stools may indicate constipation.
Diarrhoea is when bowel movements are frequent, loose, or watery. It can be short-lived (acute) or ongoing (chronic).
Some people experience alternating constipation and diarrhoea, or a noticeable shift from their normal pattern. These changes can be caused by IBS, SIBO, or dietary factors, but persistent alterations may also suggest more serious conditions.
Seek specialist advice if you notice:
These may be warning signs of conditions such as IBD, coeliac disease, or colorectal cancer, which require prompt diagnosis and treatment.
A gastroenterologist will take a thorough history and may recommend:
Blood tests: To check for anaemia, inflammation, or thyroid
problems
Stool tests: To detect infections, inflammation, or hidden blood
Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy: To directly assess the colon and
rule out serious disease
Breath tests: To check for lactose intolerance or small
intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
Imaging scans (CT or MRI): If structural problems are suspected
Treatment depends on the underlying cause:
High-fibre diet and increased water intake
Regular physical activity
Laxatives, if required
Medications to improve bowel motility (in selected cases)
Identifying and treating infections
Dietary modifications (low FODMAP diet, lactose avoidance)
Anti-diarrhoeal medications if appropriate
Specialist therapies for IBS-D or IBD
Comprehensive dietary assessment
Probiotics or gut-directed therapies
Long-term monitoring and follow-up for inflammatory or structural
conditions
Ignoring ongoing bowel changes can lead to:
Chronic discomfort and reduced quality of life
Severe dehydration (from prolonged diarrhoea)
Faecal impaction (from severe constipation)
Missed diagnosis of serious conditions like bowel cancer or IBD
Seeing a gastroenterologist ensures:
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Read testimonials from patients who have experienced Dr Alisa's expert care.
My consultation with Dr Akeel Alisa was highly satisfactory and he was very thorough. The Gastroscopy procedure was performed satisfactorily with no pain or discomfort at all. I am very pleased with treatment received so far.
Verified Patient
I was fully vaccinated investigated by Dr Akeel Alisa and I was reassured. My endoscopy and colonoscopy were straight forward and painless. I am very happy with the care I received.
Verified Patient
Dr Akeel Alisa and Nursing team at Cromwell Hospital Endoscopy team offered me great care and all was perfect. Well pleased.
Verified Patient
