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 if severe abdominal pain occurs with fainting, confusion, breathing difficulty, profound weakness, or other signs that you are becoming seriously unwell.
Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or severely ill.
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 same-day medical care for:
Upper abdominal pain that is severe, persistent, or worsening
Pain with fever or chills
Yellow skin or eyes
Dark urine or unusually pale stools
Repeated vomiting or difficulty keeping fluids down
Pain during pregnancy or alongside serious health conditions
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if you have repeated episodes of upper abdominal pain, especially if they last more than 30 minutes or spread to your back or right shoulder.
Also seek review if gallstones were found on a scan and you are unsure whether recent symptoms are related.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Gallstones. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.