Mesenteric artery ischemia: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for sudden severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, especially when it is constant or accompanied by vomiting, bloody stool, fainting, confusion, cold or clammy skin, or a swollen and rigid abdomen.

   These are not always emergencies, but they should not be ignored.

   Treat sudden severe pain as an emergency rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Do not wait for the pain to settle if you have been told you are at increased risk of intestinal ischemia.

   Acute damage can progress even when early examination findings seem mild.

   Arrange a prompt medical assessment for repeated pain after meals, unexplained food avoidance, ongoing diarrhea, or unintended weight loss.

   If you already have chronic mesenteric ischemia, report returning symptoms promptly.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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