This is guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment. If a sign from the red list appears, go to the nearest emergency room.
In short
For stomach pain, bloating, indigestion or a change in your bowel habits, start with a GP or a pharmacist, who can point you to the next step. If the pain is severe or sudden, or a sign from the red list appears, go to the emergency room.
What to note before the appointment
Step by step
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Gather your notes
At home, without trying to diagnose yourself
Write down what you feel, when it started, whether it comes back, and any change in your bowel habits or vomiting. Stomach pain has many possible causes, so don't try to explain it on your own.
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Start with a doctor or pharmacist
Health centre, GP or pharmacy
If symptoms are mild but keep coming back or don't go away, ask a GP or pharmacist: they can point you to the right next step. A gastroenterologist comes in later, depending on what the doctor finds.
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If it lasts or returns, see a doctor
At the doctor's, with your notes
Symptoms that last, are severe, keep coming back, or have no clear cause deserve a doctor's look. Don't start a diet, supplements or a medicine based on guesswork.
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Choose the right professional
After the doctor's assessment
The GP starts; a gastroenterologist follows cases that need a specialist. A dietitian can help with food after the doctor's assessment, and a pharmacist can point you to the right route.
Don't wait: go to the emergency room if…
- Sudden or very severe pain
- Your stomach hurts when you touch it
- You vomit blood, or your stools are black or bloody
- You can't pee, pass wind or open your bowels
- You have trouble breathing, chest pain, you've collapsed, you're badly dehydrated or confused
Where to start
Start at a health centre or with a GP
Bring the sheet where you noted when the pain started, where it is, how often it comes back and the medicines you take. Ask the health centre in your city what the next step is.
The people who can help
See them all on Hdaya
Do you work in this field? People in your city read this guide.
Add your profileDigestive problems: what to ask the doctor
Your notes help the doctor understand faster. At the appointment you can ask:
- Do I need a blood test or a scan?
- Should I see a gastroenterologist?
- Which signs mean I should come back quickly?
- Can I keep taking the medicines I already take?
Other health guides
Same approach, who to see and when: back pain and stress and anxiety.
References
We reviewed NHS pages on stomach ache, indigestion, diarrhoea and vomiting, and constipation. They help with general understanding but don't say how to access services in Morocco, so ask at the health centre in your city.
Where to start
To get started, browse the GPs and pharmacists near you on Hdaya, and get in touch with the closest one.
Questions people ask
Is all bloating just indigestion?
No. Different causes can give similar symptoms, so don't diagnose yourself.
When should I see a doctor about digestive problems?
If symptoms last, keep coming back, are severe, or you don't know what's causing them. Start with a GP or ask a pharmacist.
Can I change my diet on my own?
Don't rely on a diet or supplements as a fix-all. Talk to the doctor, especially if you've lost weight or already have a health condition.
References
Procedures change. If something here is out of date, tell us and we will check it again.