Private gastroenteritis clinic in London, same-day gastroenterology.
Gastroenteritis is an infection of the gut, almost always caused by a virus. It is unpleasant and usually short. Nothing shortens it — the treatment is replacing the fluid you are losing and waiting it out. Vomiting typically settles within one to two days, diarrhoea within five to seven. Our private gastroenterology clinic in East London offers same-day gastroenteritis assessment with a private gastroenterologist, diagnosis and a clear treatment plan — usually without a referral and often the same day.
The condition
What is gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis is an infection of the gut, almost always caused by a virus. It is unpleasant and usually short. Nothing shortens it — the treatment is replacing the fluid you are losing and waiting it out. Vomiting typically settles within one to two days, diarrhoea within five to seven.
- What gastroenteritis is
- Symptoms to look for
- Causes & risk factors
- Tests & diagnosis
- Treatment options
- When to see a specialist
Understanding gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis: symptoms, causes, tests & treatment
Seek medical help urgently if you or your child have
- blood in the stool or vomit, or black tarry stools;
- severe or constant abdominal pain, particularly if it is worse in one place;
- been unable to keep any fluid down for more than 12 hours in an adult, or 6 hours in a child;
- signs of significant dehydration — no urine for 8 to 12 hours, dizziness on standing, sunken eyes, drowsiness or confusion;
- a high fever with shivering, or a stiff neck, headache and dislike of light;
- diarrhoea lasting more than a week, or vomiting more than two days.
Contact us sooner rather than later if the person affected is a baby under one, is elderly or frail, is pregnant, has a weakened immune system, has recently taken antibiotics, has inflammatory bowel disease or diabetes, or has recently returned from travelling abroad. In an emergency call 999, or go to the Royal London Hospital Emergency Department, Whitechapel Road, London E1 1FR.
Getting fluids in
This is the whole of the treatment. Someone who stays hydrated recovers at home; someone who does not ends up on a drip.
- Little and often beats large drinks. A few sips every five to ten minutes stays down when a full glass will not. Use a spoon or syringe for a small child.
- Oral rehydration sachets from a pharmacy are better than water alone, because they replace salts and sugar in the proportions that help the gut absorb fluid. They are particularly worth using for children, older people, and anyone losing a lot.
- Keep breastfeeding or bottle feeding a baby as normal, and offer extra fluids between feeds.
- Eat when you feel able. There is no need to starve yourself or stick to dry toast — eat what appeals, in small amounts. Children should go back to their normal diet as soon as they want it.
- You do not need to avoid milk or dairy unless it clearly upsets you.
Helps
- Water, oral rehydration solution, diluted squash.
- Rest, and staying near a bathroom for the first day.
- Paracetamol for fever or aching.
- Washing hands with soap and water after every trip to the toilet.
Avoid
- Fruit juice and fizzy drinks — the sugar concentration can worsen diarrhoea.
- Anti-diarrhoeal medicines such as loperamide if there is blood in the stool or a high fever. Never give them to children.
- Alcohol, caffeine and very fatty or spicy food until you are better.
- Preparing food for other people while you are unwell.
Antibiotics are not the answer. Almost all gastroenteritis is viral, and antibiotics do nothing for it. They are occasionally needed for a specific bacterial or parasitic infection — usually after travel abroad, or where a stool sample confirms it — but taking them unnecessarily can prolong the illness and cause a further, harder-to-treat bowel infection.
Stay away from work, school or nursery until 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhoea or vomiting. This is the single most effective thing you can do to stop it spreading. If you are a food handler, a healthcare or care worker, or work with young children or vulnerable adults, this is a requirement rather than a suggestion — tell your employer.
Stopping it spreading at home
- Wash hands with soap and warm water after using the toilet, before preparing food, and after caring for someone who is unwell. Alcohol hand gel does not kill norovirus — soap and water is essential, not optional.
- Clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, door handles and surfaces daily with a bleach-based cleaner.
- Do not share towels, flannels, cutlery or cups.
- Wash soiled clothing and bedding separately on a hot wash.
- Avoid swimming pools for two weeks after the diarrhoea has stopped.
Signs of dehydration to watch for
In adults: thirst, dark strong-smelling urine, passing urine less often, dizziness or lightheadedness on standing, tiredness, dry mouth.
In children and babies: fewer wet nappies than usual, no tears when crying, a dry mouth or tongue, sunken eyes, a sunken soft spot on a baby's head, unusual sleepiness or floppiness, cold hands and feet.
Book an appointment if you are not improving after a few days, you cannot keep fluids down, you have recently returned from abroad, you need a stool test, or you need a fitness-to-work letter. We can assess hydration, take samples, prescribe where it is genuinely indicated, and arrange intravenous fluids if you need them.
Gastroenterology services we offer
Expert care under one roof
From same-day GP assessment to specialist care, scans and tests — with a clear plan the same visit.
Gastroenterology
Consultant gut & liver care.
Endoscopy & Colonoscopy
Camera tests for the gut.
Ultrasound
Abdominal & liver scans.
Private Blood Tests
Diagnostic blood tests, explained.
Private GP
Same-day GP to start your care.
Health MOT
A full private health check.
Simple & reassuring
Seen today, in three easy steps
Book in a minute
Book online any time or call reception — no GP referral needed for most appointments.
Seen quickly
A GMC-registered clinician assesses you, with tests and scans arranged in-house where possible.
Diagnosis & plan
You leave with a clear diagnosis, treatment, and any specialist care or scan arranged.
Private assessment
See a private gastroenterologist for gastroenteritis in London
At our private gastroenterology clinic on Whitechapel Road in East London, you can see a private gastroenterologist or gastroenteritis doctor without a referral — most days, often the same day. A private GP in East London or consultant gastroenterologist will assess you, arrange the right tests and explain your diagnosis and treatment options clearly. We help patients across East London, Canary Wharf, the City, Docklands and Aldgate who want fast, private answers about gastroenteritis.
Local, private, fast
A private gastroenterology clinic for East London & Canary Wharf
Tower Bridge Hospital is on Whitechapel Road in the heart of East London — minutes from Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands and Aldgate. Patients across Tower Hamlets, Wapping, Limehouse and Bethnal Green choose us for a fast, private gastroenteritis appointment with a gastroenterologist, without the wait or the referral.
Why choose us
Why choose our East London private gastroenterology clinic
- Same-day, no referral — private GP and gastroenterology under one roof
- Specialist-led care with GMC-registered clinicians
- Tests & scans on site, results explained the same visit
- Minutes from Canary Wharf & the City of London
- A named clinician who explains your results clearly
- Transparent pricing and a plan you can act on
Ready when you are
See a private gastroenterologist for gastroenteritis — the same day.
Book a private gastroenteritis assessment in East London: same-day appointments, gastroenterologist-led care and a clear plan. No referral needed.
Common questions
Gastroenteritis in London: your questions answered
Where can I find a private gastroenteritis specialist near me in East London?
Our private gastroenterology clinic is on Whitechapel Road in East London, minutes from Canary Wharf and the City. You can see a private gastroenterologist or gastroenteritis doctor for assessment and treatment, usually the same day and without a referral.
Can I see a private gastroenterologist for gastroenteritis the same day?
Yes. We hold same-day private appointments most days, including Saturdays, so you can be assessed by a gastroenterologist or GP quickly, with tests done in-house where possible.
How much does a private gastroenteritis appointment cost in London?
We keep pricing transparent — see our fees page or call 020 7916 0029, and we will explain the cost of the gastroenteritis assessment and any tests before you book.
Do I need a referral to see a private gastroenterologist for gastroenteritis?
No. You can book directly with our clinic. If you are unsure whether to start with a private GP or a gastroenterologist, we will guide you.
Which areas do you serve for private gastroenteritis care?
We see private patients from across East London, Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands, Aldgate, Wapping, Limehouse and Tower Hamlets.
Medically reviewed by Dr Haydar Bolat — Clinical Director, GMC 7138332. Last reviewed August 2026 · next review August 2027. Written in line with our editorial & content-review policy, using guidance from the NHS, NICE and the relevant royal colleges. This information is general and does not replace personal medical advice.