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
Get emergency help for:
Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Black, sticky stools, especially with weakness or dizziness
Sudden, severe, or rapidly worsening abdominal pain
Fainting, confusion, marked weakness, or difficulty breathing
A rigid or very tender abdomen
These signs can occur with major ulcer bleeding or a perforation.
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 prompt medical advice if you have difficulty swallowing, repeated vomiting, unexplained weight loss, worsening anaemia symptoms, or symptoms that continue despite treatment.
Do not wait for a routine appointment.
And for anyone, someone who:
has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if you have ongoing or recurring upper abdominal pain, nausea, early fullness, unexplained appetite loss, or other persistent indigestion symptoms.
Testing may also be appropriate if you have a current or previous peptic ulcer, unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia, or a close family history of stomach cancer.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Helicobacter pylori infection. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.