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 care for:
Vomiting blood or material resembling coffee grounds
Black, tar-like stools or heavy rectal bleeding
Fainting, confusion, or severe weakness with possible bleeding
Sudden, severe abdominal pain, especially with a rigid abdomen
Severe chest or abdominal pain with difficulty breathing
These signs can indicate major bleeding, perforation, or another serious problem.
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
Contact your care team promptly if known ZES symptoms worsen, you cannot keep your acid-suppressing medicine down, or you develop increasing trouble swallowing.
Ongoing vomiting, reduced urination, or marked weakness may indicate dehydration and requires urgent assessment.
Do not wait for a routine follow-up appointment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if you have persistent or recurring upper abdominal pain, diarrhea, heartburn, or ulcers, especially if symptoms continue despite treatment.
These symptoms have many more common causes, but they may need investigation.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Zollinger-ellison syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.