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Warning-sign checks

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 help if bloating occurs with sudden or severe abdominal pain, fainting, difficulty breathing, vomiting blood, or a hard and very tender belly.

    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

    Get urgent, same-day medical advice if your belly is becoming increasingly swollen and painful, especially if you are vomiting or cannot pass stool or gas.

    These symptoms can occur when the bowel is blocked.

    Also seek prompt advice for fever, blood in your stool, or black, tar-like stool.

    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 regularly or is getting worse
    • Continues despite simple diet and bowel-habit changes
    • Comes with unexplained weight loss or reduced appetite
    • Occurs with ongoing diarrhoea, constipation, or abdominal pain
    • Causes frequent early fullness or difficulty eating
    • Is new and persistent, particularly after menopause

    These features do not necessarily indicate a serious cause, but they should be assessed rather than managed through repeated food restriction.

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