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
Call emergency services for collapse, severe breathing difficulty, or heavy bleeding with faintness.
These symptoms can indicate major blood loss or another serious complication.
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
Seek urgent medical care for:
Heavy or continuous rectal bleeding
Black, tar-like stool
Fainting, marked dizziness, confusion, or severe weakness
Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal or rectal pain
Fever with worsening rectal pain, swelling, or pus
Inability to keep fluids down or signs of dehydration
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if you develop rectal bleeding, mucus, persistent rectal pain, repeated urgency, or an ongoing change in bowel habits.
Seek assessment after possible exposure to a sexually transmitted infection, even if symptoms are mild.
New symptoms after pelvic radiation also need follow-up, including symptoms that begin years later.
The article also says
Contact the healthcare team managing your condition if symptoms return, treatment is difficult to use, bleeding is increasing, or you develop tiredness that could suggest anaemia.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Proctitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.