Stomach pain Perth
When to see a doctor for stomach pain?
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Level 3, Suite 302
44 Barry Marshall Parade
Murdoch WA 6150
Stomach pain causes
What causes stomach pain?
Stomach pain can come from many different places, and not all of them are serious. Sometimes it’s linked to what you’ve eaten, stress, or a short-term bug. Other times, it can be a sign of something going on in your digestive system that needs a closer look.
Common causes of stomach pain include:
- Indigestion or reflux
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Food intolerances
- Stomach or duodenal ulcers
Pain can feel different depending on the cause. Some people notice cramping or bloating, others describe a burning or gnawing feeling, and some feel a dull pain that just won’t go away.
Dr Callum Pearce
Perth Gastroenterologist
Should I see my GP first?
In most cases, yes. Your GP is usually the best place to start when you have a sore stomach. They listen to your symptoms, examine you, and organise initial tests like blood work, stool tests, or imaging if needed.
If your pain is mild or short-lived, your GP might suggest simple treatments or lifestyle changes first. But if the pain keeps coming back, is getting worse, or doesn’t have a clear cause, they may refer you to a gastroenterologist for further assessment.
Stomach pain Perth gastroenterologist
When to see a gastroenterologist
As gastroenterologists, we specialise in the digestive system, including your stomach, bowel, pancreas and intestines.
If your stomach pain has been ongoing for several weeks, if you’re experiencing frequent diarrhoea or constipation, or if you’ve noticed blood in your stool, your GP will likely refer you. Unexplained weight loss or pain that’s affecting your sleep, appetite or day-to-day activities can also be signs that a closer look is needed.
Conditions we commonly assess include:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Peptic ulcers
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
- Coeliac disease
Dr Callum Pearce
Perth Gastroenterologist
What a gastroenterologist can do
Depending on what’s going on, we may recommend:
- Endoscopy (gastroscopy): A thin camera checks your oesophagus, stomach and upper small bowel for ulcers or inflammation
- Colonoscopy: Looks at the large bowel for signs of IBD, polyps or other issues
- Capsule endoscopy: You swallow a small camera capsule that takes pictures as it travels through your small bowel. This helps us spot bleeding or inflammation in areas a regular scope can’t reach
- Liver scans or blood tests: To check for signs of inflammation or blockage
- Ultrasound or MRCP: These help us look at the gallbladder, bile ducts and liver in more detail
Liver and gallbladder pain
When stomach pain isn’t coming from your stomach
Interestingly, not all “stomach pain” is actually coming from your stomach. Sometimes it’s your liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts playing up instead. When that’s the case, the discomfort often sits up on the upper right side of your abdomen, and it can flare up after you eat; especially after a heavier, fatty meal.
We’re more likely to suspect this if the pain comes with other clues too; like nausea or vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, ongoing itch, or tiredness that doesn’t really lift. If that sounds like you, your GP or gastroenterologist may organise checks of your liver and gallbladder. And if needed, we can involve a hepatologist; that’s a specialist who looks after liver and bile duct conditions.
When to seek urgent or emergency care
Most stomach pain is not urgent, but some symptoms should never be ignored. Seek urgent medical attention or go to emergency if you experience:
- Sudden, severe abdominal pain
- Pain with a high fever
- Vomiting blood
- Black, tar-like stools
- Fainting, dizziness, or confusion
- A swollen, hard, or very tender abdomen
Dr Callum Pearce
Perth Gastroenterologist
When it’s not urgent, but still worth checking
Not all worrying symptoms require emergency care, but they still deserve attention. Please book a GP appointment if your pain has lasted longer than two to three weeks, your symptoms are gradually worsening, or your bowel habits have changed and haven’t settled.
Feeling unusually tired, generally unwell, or having a family history of bowel or digestive conditions are also good reasons to get checked. Acting early can bring clarity and peace of mind, and if something does need treatment, it’s often easier to manage when addressed promptly.
Stomach pain treatment Perth
Westside Gastroenterology for stomach pain
If something’s been worrying you, come chat with us at Westside Gastroenterology in Murdoch. We’ll take you seriously, look for clear answers, and work with you on a plan that fits your body and your life.
Our Murdoch clinic is fully equipped to investigate and manage a wide range of digestive conditions. Whether your symptoms are mild or more complex, we’ll work with you to find a plan that fits your life and helps you feel better.
Dr Callum Pearce
Perth Gastroenterologist
Gastroenterologist Murdoch Square
Find us at Murdoch Square
Formerly known as Wexford Gastro, we have rebranded to reflect our new address while maintaining the same exceptional care and expertise you’ve come to trust.
Level 3, Suite 302
44 Barry Marshall Parade
Murdoch WA 6150