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
These usually need timely assessment but are not always emergencies.
Seek emergency care for:
Fainting, confusion, extreme drowsiness, or severe weakness
Very little or no urine with signs of dehydration
Fever or shaking chills while using a central venous catheter, especially if you feel very unwell
Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, or a swollen abdomen
Trouble breathing, chest pain, or sudden swelling of an arm, neck, or face
New slurred speech or difficulty walking
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 prompt medical advice if you have a sustained rise in diarrhea or stoma output, increasing thirst, dark urine, dizziness, new swelling, unplanned weight loss, or difficulty keeping up with your fluid plan.
If you have a central venous catheter, contact your treatment service urgently for fever, chills, pain, redness, swelling, leaking, or discharge around the line.
A catheter infection can worsen quickly and requires medical assessment.
And for anyone, someone who:
has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Keep routine appointments even when you feel well.
Blood tests may find dehydration or nutrient deficiencies before clear symptoms develop.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Short bowel syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.