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
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
Do not wait for symptoms.
Get urgent medical help for:
Heavy or continuing rectal bleeding
Black, tar-like stools with weakness or light-headedness
Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain
Repeated vomiting with abdominal swelling
Inability to pass stool or gas
Fainting, confusion, or signs of severe dehydration
These symptoms may indicate significant bleeding, bowel blockage, or another complication requiring prompt assessment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical assessment for persistent rectal bleeding, an ongoing change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, abdominal discomfort, or unusual tiredness.
These symptoms often have other causes but should not be ignored.
The article also says
Seek genetic or specialist advice if a close relative has FAP, an APC gene change, or an unusually large number of adenomatous polyps.
If you have FAP, contact your care team between appointments about new bleeding, worsening bowel symptoms, a growing abdominal lump, unexplained weight loss, or persistent vomiting.
After surgery, report major changes in pouch or ileostomy output, ongoing leakage, or signs of dehydration.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Familial multiple polyposis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.