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
Seek emergency help for:
New, severe, or crushing chest pain, especially with breathlessness, sweating, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, shoulder, or back
Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Black, tar-like stools with weakness, dizziness, or fainting
Food stuck in the esophagus with an inability to swallow saliva
Severe breathing difficulty
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
Arrange prompt medical assessment for difficulty or pain when swallowing, persistent vomiting, unexplained weight loss, anemia, signs of bleeding, or steadily worsening symptoms.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine assessment is appropriate if reflux occurs regularly, disrupts sleep, affects eating, requires frequent nonprescription medicine, or continues despite treatment.
New symptoms later in life or symptoms that change in character should also be reviewed.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Gastroesophageal reflux disease. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.