Gastric tissue biopsy and culture: 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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services if symptoms are severe, breathing is difficult, or you feel you may collapse.
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
Contact your endoscopy team promptly for a fever, worsening throat pain, difficulty swallowing, repeated vomiting, increasing abdominal discomfort, or concerns about your medicines or recovery.
Seek urgent medical assessment for severe or worsening chest or abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black tar-like stools, fainting, marked weakness, or shortness of breath.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
For routine matters, contact the team if minor symptoms are not improving or if you have not received results within the timeframe they gave you.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Gastric tissue biopsy and culture. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.