What To Do If You Have Recurring Upset Stomach: At-Home Testing for Peace of Mind

Frequently Have an Upset Stomach? You're Not Alone

Many people in the UK report regular periods of tummy discomfort, loose stools, or nausea. For most, these episodes are mild, but if you notice they happen often or last for days, it could point to something more than a passing bug.

Why Do Digestive Upsets Keep Coming Back?

Possible reasons include:

• Recurrent infections (sometimes after foreign travel or eating out)
• Post-infectious IBS
• Food intolerance or allergies
• Stress and anxiety

Read about IBS on the NHS website.

How Does At-Home Stool Testing Help?

An At-Home Gastrointestinal Pathogen PCR Test identifies multiple potential infections in one simple sample. This accurate method can:

• Rule out serious causes of ongoing symptoms
• Enable targeted treatment if an infection is found
• Offer peace of mind

Getting tested means you can avoid unnecessary treatments and focus on getting better faster.

Is There Anything I Can Do Without a Test?

• Keep hydrated and eat simple, low-fat foods
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol when symptomatic
• Note any triggers by keeping a food and symptom diary
• Practice good hand hygiene

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

If your upset stomach lasts over a week, involves blood or is accompanied by fever, see a doctor urgently. For persistent, unexplained symptoms, testing is a sensible next step.

Order your At-Home Gastrointestinal Pathogen PCR Test kit or book an appointment at Mayfield Clinic.

Visit the NHS Food Poisoning Information for further reading.