sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Varioliform gastritis: 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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Get emergency help for:

    • Vomiting blood or material resembling coffee grounds
    • Black, sticky bowel movements, especially with weakness or dizziness
    • Fainting, confusion, marked breathlessness or a rapid heartbeat
    • Sudden severe abdominal pain or a hard, very tender abdomen
    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical assessment for:

    • Repeated vomiting or difficulty keeping fluids down
    • Unexplained weight loss
    • Increasing difficulty swallowing
    • Ongoing tiredness, weakness or shortness of breath
    • Symptoms that continue despite treatment
    • New symptoms after starting an anti-inflammatory or blood-thinning medicine

    These signs can indicate significant bleeding or another urgent digestive problem.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, early fullness or reduced appetite continues or repeatedly returns.

    Follow-up is also important if you have been told that biopsies or blood tests need reviewing.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Varioliform gastritis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.