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Warning-sign checks

Meckel diverticulum: 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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Go to an emergency department or call emergency services if you have:

    • A large amount of rectal bleeding or bleeding that continues
    • Fainting, confusion, marked weakness, or cold clammy skin
    • Sudden severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain
    • A hard, very tender, or increasingly swollen abdomen
    • Repeated vomiting with an inability to pass stool or gas
    • Severe pain with fever or signs of collapse

    These features may indicate major blood loss, intestinal obstruction, perforation, or another serious abdominal condition.

    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent same-day medical assessment for blood in the stool, black sticky stool, new persistent abdominal pain, or symptoms of anaemia such as unusual tiredness, breathlessness, dizziness, or pale skin.

    These symptoms have many possible causes and need proper assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Discuss it during routine follow-up unless new symptoms develop.

The article also says

A Meckel diverticulum found by chance without symptoms is not usually an emergency.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Meckel diverticulum. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.