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
Call emergency services or go to an emergency department if you have:
Vomiting of red blood or dark material resembling coffee grounds
Black, sticky stools, especially with weakness or light-headedness
Sudden, severe, or rapidly worsening abdominal pain
A rigid or very tender abdomen
Fainting, confusion, marked breathlessness, or cold and clammy skin
These symptoms can indicate major bleeding or perforation.
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 assessment for repeated vomiting, difficulty keeping fluids down, worsening pain, unexplained weight loss, trouble swallowing, or increasing tiredness and shortness of breath.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if upper abdominal pain keeps returning, wakes you at night, lasts more than a short period, or occurs while you regularly use aspirin or an NSAID.
Also seek follow-up if symptoms return after treatment.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Duodenal ulcer. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.