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 if the pain is sudden and extreme, or if you also have:
Fainting, confusion, severe weakness, or trouble breathing
A hard or very swollen abdomen
Vomiting blood, bloody stool, or black, sticky stool
Repeated vomiting with inability to pass stool or gas
Severe testicular pain or swelling
Possible pregnancy with severe pain, bleeding, shoulder pain, or faintness
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 for severe or worsening pain, fever, repeated vomiting, yellow skin or eyes, blood in the urine, or pain when urinating.
You should also be assessed promptly if pain follows an injury or occurs during pregnancy.
For a baby, seek urgent care for green vomit, breathing difficulty, unusual sleepiness, a swollen abdomen, poor feeding, fewer wet diapers, or a cry that sounds weak or unusual.
A fever in a baby younger than 3 months needs prompt medical assessment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if episodes keep returning, last longer than a day, disturb sleep, or come with ongoing bowel changes, weight loss, or reduced appetite.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Colic. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.