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
Get emergency help for heavy or continuous bleeding, fainting, severe abdominal pain with a swollen or rigid abdomen, confusion, breathing difficulty or chest pain.
These symptoms can indicate major blood loss, toxic megacolon, a bowel perforation or a blood clot.
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
If you already have ulcerative colitis, contact your IBD team promptly when symptoms return or become more frequent.
An agreed flare plan may explain which tests are needed and whether treatment should change.
Seek urgent medical advice if you have:
Increasing bloody diarrhoea or difficulty keeping fluids down
Fever with worsening bowel symptoms
New severe weakness, dizziness or signs of dehydration
A painful, red eye or a sudden change in vision
Yellow skin or eyes
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if you have persistent diarrhoea, repeated urgency, blood or mucus in your stool, unexplained weight loss, or symptoms that regularly wake you at night.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Ulcerative colitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.