The Oaks Hospital · Colchester, Essex
Bloating Investigation in Colchester
Persistent bloating is common and often linked to diet or gut sensitivity, but it can have other causes. Dr Thines Karunakaran offers consultant-led assessment at The Oaks Hospital in Colchester to find the cause and the right treatment.
Dr Thines Karunakaran
Consultant Gastroenterologist
When to seek assessment
You should have specialist assessment if you have:
- Bloating most days for several weeks
- Bloating with abdominal pain or a change in bowel habit
- Bloating with weight loss or loss of appetite
- Persistent bloating in women over 50 (ovarian causes should also be excluded)
- Bloating with anaemia or a family history of coeliac or bowel disease
- Bloating not improving with simple dietary changes
Common causes
Bloating is often due to IBS, constipation, food intolerances, coeliac disease, bacterial overgrowth or the way the gut handles normal gas. Occasionally it reflects other bowel, liver or gynaecological conditions, so persistent symptoms should be assessed.
What happens at your appointment
Dr Karunakaran will go through your symptoms and diet, examine you and arrange targeted tests such as blood tests, coeliac screening, stool tests, breath tests or endoscopy where appropriate. Treatment may include dietary advice (including a supervised low-FODMAP approach), managing constipation and medication.
Insured and self-pay
Recognised by insurers including Bupa (Fee Assured), AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, Healix, Allianz, Aetna International, The Exeter and Benenden Health. Self-pay patients are welcome — consultations are £215 and follow-ups £150, with any tests or endoscopy quoted separately in advance.
Bloating FAQs
Is bloating serious?+
Bloating is very common and most often explained by diet, IBS or constipation — but that doesn't mean it should simply be put up with. Persistent bloating deserves proper assessment, particularly alongside weight loss, bleeding, anaemia or a change in bowel habit, and in women over 50 ovarian causes should also be excluded.
Could it be a food intolerance?+
Sometimes. Lactose and certain fermentable carbohydrates commonly cause bloating. Dr Karunakaran can advise on sensible testing and dietary changes — such as a supervised low-FODMAP approach — rather than unvalidated intolerance tests.
How quickly can I be seen?+
Appointments at The Oaks Hospital in Colchester are usually available within days. Book online through The Oaks or contact my secretary on 07861 393237.
Get your bloating assessed
GP referrals and self-referrals welcome · Rapid appointments at The Oaks Hospital, Colchester.