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 the swelling comes with:
Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain
Difficulty breathing, fainting, confusion, or marked weakness
Vomiting blood or passing black or bloody stool
A rigid, very tender abdomen
Collapse or severe pain during a possible pregnancy
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 same-day medical care if you have repeated vomiting, fever, new jaundice, or cannot pass stool or gas.
Jaundice means yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes.
You should also seek prompt advice if the swelling develops quickly, is painful, or occurs with a tender lump that cannot be gently pushed back.
And for anyone, someone who:
has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if the swelling does not settle, keeps returning, or steadily increases.
Arrange a review if it comes with unexplained weight loss, reduced appetite, ongoing bowel changes, pelvic symptoms, or feeling full unusually quickly.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Swollen abdomen. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.