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 emergency help for sudden or severe abdominal pain, a hard or markedly swollen abdomen, fainting, confusion, trouble breathing, chest pain, vomiting blood, or black or bloody stool.
Possible pregnancy with abdominal pain plus vaginal bleeding, shoulder-tip pain, marked dizziness, or fainting also needs emergency care.
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
Arrange a same-day medical assessment if the tenderness is new and worsening, especially if you also have:
Fever, repeated vomiting, or difficulty keeping fluids down
Pain that moves to or settles in the lower right abdomen
Increasing pain under the right ribs
A painful lump that does not flatten when you lie down
Pain when urinating, blood in the urine, or severe back or side pain
Possible pregnancy with one-sided lower abdominal pain
And for anyone, someone who:
has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if a tender spot lasts more than a few days, keeps returning, or affects eating, sleep, work, or usual activities.
A persistent or growing lump, unexplained weight loss, ongoing bowel changes, or tenderness after a recent injury should also be checked.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Point tenderness - abdomen. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.