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 now if you have:
Chest or upper-belly pressure with breathlessness, sweating, or spreading pain
Vomit containing blood or material that resembles coffee grounds
Black, sticky, tar-like stools, especially with weakness or faintness
Sudden, severe, or rapidly worsening belly pain
Collapse, confusion, or difficulty breathing
And for anyone, someone who:
has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
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 new trouble or pain when swallowing, repeated vomiting, yellow skin or eyes, or symptoms of digestive bleeding.
Prompt assessment is also important if you cannot keep fluids down.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if indigestion keeps returning, is getting worse, wakes you often, or interferes with eating.
Arrange a review if you have unexplained weight loss, reduced appetite, persistent vomiting, a feeling that food sticks, or unusual tiredness that could suggest anaemia.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Indigestion. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.