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 care for heavy or continuing rectal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, a hard or rigid abdomen, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, shortness of breath or a rapid heartbeat.
These can indicate major blood loss, a perforation or another serious abdominal problem.
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
Seek urgent medical help for:
New, constant or worsening abdominal pain
Abdominal pain with fever, chills, vomiting or marked tenderness
Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
Inability to keep fluids down
Increasing abdominal swelling or inability to pass stool or gas
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine medical assessment if you develop a persistent change in bowel habits, recurring abdominal discomfort or ongoing bloating.
Also seek an appointment for unexplained tiredness, unintended weight loss or a small amount of blood in the stool.
These symptoms have several possible causes and should not be assumed to come from diverticulosis.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Diverticulosis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.