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
Get emergency help for:
Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain
A swollen abdomen with vomiting or inability to pass stool or gas
Heavy rectal bleeding, fainting, or marked weakness
Severe pain with fever or feeling acutely unwell
Sudden chest pain, breathlessness, confusion, or collapse
These symptoms can suggest bowel obstruction, major blood loss, perforation, or serious infection.
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 cannot keep fluids down, have signs of dehydration, or feel increasingly weak.
Signs of dehydration include a very dry mouth, dark urine, passing much less urine, and dizziness when standing.
They should not wait for a routine appointment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine medical review if bowel symptoms continue after radiation, return after a symptom-free period, or interfere with eating and daily life.
Contact your care team if you develop ongoing diarrhoea, repeated urgency, unexplained weight loss, increasing pain, or small amounts of rectal bleeding.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Radiation enteritis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.