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Warning-sign checks

Pain: 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

    Call emergency services if pain is sudden or severe and occurs with:

    • Chest pressure, difficulty breathing, sweating, or fainting
    • New weakness on one side, facial drooping, confusion, or trouble speaking
    • A sudden, extremely severe headache
    • A major injury, uncontrolled bleeding, or a limb that looks misshapen
    • Loss of bladder or bowel control with numbness around the groin
    • Severe pain with collapse, extreme drowsiness, or blue-grey lips

    Sudden severe testicular pain also needs immediate assessment.

    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 same-day medical care for severe or rapidly worsening pain, particularly with fever, repeated vomiting, a hot swollen joint, new vision changes, or a pale or cold limb.

    During pregnancy, seek urgent advice for severe abdominal or pelvic pain, especially with bleeding, dizziness, or shoulder pain.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if pain lasts longer than expected, keeps returning, wakes you regularly, or affects work and daily activities.

    You should also book an appointment if you develop ongoing numbness, weakness, unexplained weight loss, or need non-prescription pain medicine frequently.

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