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Warning-sign checks

Colitis: 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

    Severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, confusion, or a swollen rigid abdomen require emergency evaluation.

    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

    New fever, increasing bleeding, worsening pain, frequent vomiting, or signs of dehydration deserve prompt contact with a healthcare professional.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up should focus on both symptoms and control of inflammation.

    Feeling better does not always mean the colon has fully healed.

    Routine follow-up is appropriate for stable symptoms, medication monitoring, nutrition concerns, or planning surveillance tests.

The article also says

A clinician may monitor bowel frequency, bleeding, weight, blood counts, iron levels, inflammatory markers, or fecal calprotectin.

Repeat colonoscopy may be recommended to check healing, clarify a diagnosis, remove polyps, or watch for precancerous changes in people with long-standing ulcerative colitis.

People taking immune-modifying treatment may need laboratory monitoring and infection-prevention planning.

Vaccination needs should be reviewed before or during treatment because some therapies reduce immune defenses.

Any decision to change or stop treatment should be made with the prescribing clinician.

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