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Warning-sign checks

Abdominal bloating: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency medical help if bloating or abdominal swelling occurs with:

    • Sudden or severe abdominal pain
    • Repeated vomiting and inability to pass stool or gas
    • Vomit containing blood or material resembling coffee grounds
    • Black or bloody stools
    • Fainting, severe weakness, chest pain, or difficulty breathing
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact a medical service the same day if the swelling is rapidly worsening, you cannot keep fluids down, or you have significant pain with fever.

    New swelling with yellow skin or eyes also needs prompt assessment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if bloating:

    • Happens frequently or continues for several weeks
    • Is becoming more noticeable or uncomfortable
    • Comes with unexplained weight loss or reduced appetite
    • Occurs with ongoing diarrhoea, constipation, or abdominal pain
    • Is associated with blood in the stool
    • Begins after starting a medicine
    • Occurs with pelvic pain, feeling full quickly, urinary changes, or unusual vaginal bleeding

    These symptoms do not point to one specific diagnosis.

    They help determine whether testing is needed.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Abdominal bloating. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.