Small intestinal ischemia and infarction: when to get help
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:
Sudden, severe, or rapidly worsening abdominal pain
Severe pain with vomiting, diarrhoea, or bloody stool
A rigid, swollen, or extremely tender abdomen
Abdominal symptoms with fainting, confusion, cold clammy skin, or breathing difficulty
Sudden abdominal pain after recent treatment for intestinal ischemia
These symptoms are not always an emergency, but they should not simply be left until a distant routine visit.
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 assessment for recurring pain after meals, unexplained weight loss, persistent changes in bowel habits, or increasing difficulty eating.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Contact your usual care team between planned appointments if you are recovering and develop worsening diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, poor fluid intake, reduced urination, fever, wound problems, or difficulty managing a stoma.
The article also says
Do not drive yourself if you feel faint, confused, or severely unwell.
Acute ischemia can worsen quickly, and there is no reliable home test for it.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Small intestinal ischemia and infarction. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.