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Warning-sign checks

Volvulus - childhood: 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

    Seek emergency medical care immediately if a baby or child has:

    • Dark or bright green vomit
    • Sudden, severe, or worsening abdominal pain
    • A swollen, hard, or very tender abdomen
    • Blood in vomit or stool
    • Unusual sleepiness, limpness, confusion, or difficulty waking
    • Pale, cold, mottled, or bluish skin
    • Breathing difficulty, collapse, or signs of shock
    • Repeated vomiting with an inability to keep fluids down

    Do not give food or drink unless the emergency team advises it, because anaesthesia and surgery may be needed.

    If vomit becomes green or the child becomes acutely unwell, seek emergency care instead.

    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

    Do not wait for a routine appointment when volvulus is possible.

    For less urgent concerns, arrange routine medical review for repeated abdominal pain, feeding difficulty, poor growth, persistent changes in bowel habits, or vomiting that keeps returning.

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