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Warning-sign checks

Abdominal exploration: 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 help for trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, confusion, heavy bleeding, coughing up blood, or sudden severe abdominal pain.

    One-sided leg swelling with chest pain or breathlessness may indicate a blood clot and also needs emergency assessment.

    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

    Contact the surgical team promptly if you develop worsening pain, repeated vomiting, increasing abdominal swelling, fever, wound redness that is spreading, pus or unpleasant-smelling drainage, difficulty passing urine, or a wound that begins to open.

    Also call if you cannot pass gas or stool and this is accompanied by increasing pain or swelling.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    For routine questions about dressings, activity, diet, work forms or an upcoming appointment, use the contact details provided at discharge.

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