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 for:
Confusion, collapse, or difficulty staying awake
Severe breathing difficulty
Fainting, cold or blotchy skin, or profound weakness
Sudden severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or passing black or bloody stool
Very little urine alongside worsening illness
These can be signs of sepsis, major bleeding, or organ failure.
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 prompt medical advice if you have recently had pancreatitis or treatment for a pancreatic collection and develop:
New or worsening upper abdominal pain
Fever or chills
Repeated vomiting
Increasing abdominal swelling
Difficulty eating or drinking
New drainage, redness, or pain around a drain site
Symptoms that return after you had started to improve
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Contact your care team for routine advice if you have ongoing weight loss, oily stools, persistent mild pain, increased thirst, frequent urination, or questions about a drain, stent, diet, or follow-up scan.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Pancreatic abscess. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.