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 urgent or emergency care for:
Signs of severe dehydration, such as confusion, fainting, or very little urine
Black or bloody stools
Vomiting blood
Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain
Repeated vomiting that prevents you keeping fluids down
New severe weakness, difficulty walking, or marked confusion
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 a healthcare professional promptly if symptoms are worsening, you are struggling to eat or drink, you develop new swelling, or a child is not growing or gaining weight as expected.
These symptoms do not always mean malabsorption, but they need prompt assessment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if you have diarrhoea lasting more than a few weeks, repeated greasy stools, ongoing bloating, unexplained tiredness, or unintentional weight loss.
You should also seek assessment if blood tests repeatedly show anaemia or nutrient deficiencies.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Malabsorption. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.