Inflammatory bowel disease/crohn's disease: 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 for collapse, confusion, severe breathing difficulty, vomiting blood, or bleeding that is heavy enough to cause weakness or fainting.
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 urgent medical help for:
Severe or steadily worsening abdominal pain
A swollen abdomen with repeated vomiting or inability to pass stool or gas
Heavy or continuing rectal bleeding
High fever with abdominal or anal pain
Signs of dehydration, such as faintness or very little urine
A painful, hot swelling near the anus, especially with fever
And for anyone, someone who:
has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine medical review if diarrhoea, abdominal pain, tiredness, bleeding, weight loss, or symptoms around the anus are new, persistent, or becoming more frequent.
If you already have Crohn's disease, contact your care team when symptoms suggest a flare or medicine side effects are troubling you.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Inflammatory bowel disease/crohn's disease. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.