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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency medical help for:
Sudden, severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain
A rigid or very tender swollen abdomen
Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Heavy rectal bleeding, black tar-like stool with weakness, or collapse
Repeated vomiting with severe swelling and inability to pass stool or wind
Fainting, confusion, severe breathing difficulty or signs of shock
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Get urgent medical advice for persistent vomiting, dehydration, jaundice, fever with abdominal pain, new difficulty swallowing or blood in the stool.
Unplanned weight loss, ongoing loss of appetite or a lasting change in bowel habits also needs timely assessment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if heartburn, bloating, abdominal discomfort, constipation or diarrhoea keeps returning, lasts more than a few weeks or interferes with sleep and daily activities.
Seek review if symptoms began after starting a medicine or a diagnosed condition is becoming harder to control.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Digestive disorders. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.