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 you faint, become confused, have severe breathing difficulty, or develop signs of shock such as cold, clammy skin with marked weakness.
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
Prompt assessment is also important if a blood test shows unexplained iron-deficiency anemia.
Seek urgent medical help for:
Increasing abdominal pain and swelling with inability to pass stool or gas
Repeated vomiting with possible bowel blockage
Heavy or continuing rectal bleeding
Fever with severe abdominal pain
Sudden severe abdominal pain or a rigid, very tender abdomen
And for anyone, someone who:
has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical assessment if you have a persistent change in bowel habits, repeated rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, ongoing abdominal discomfort, or unusual tiredness.
If you have already been treated, contact your care team about new or worsening symptoms rather than waiting for the next routine follow-up.
This includes persistent pain, new bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or a lasting change in bowel function.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Malignant large bowel tumor. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.