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Warning-sign checks

Alport syndrome: when to get help

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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for severe shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, confusion, a seizure, inability to urinate, or rapidly worsening swelling with breathing difficulty.

    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the treating clinician promptly for a clear increase in swelling, a marked change in urination, repeated visible blood in the urine, new hearing difficulty, persistent eye pain, or worsening vision.

    Visible blood accompanied by fever, severe side or back pain, clots, or difficulty passing urine needs timely assessment because another condition may be responsible.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up is usually coordinated by a nephrologist, a doctor who specializes in kidney disease.

    The schedule depends on age, genetic findings, blood pressure, protein in the urine, kidney function, and treatment.

    Routine monitoring may include:

    • Blood pressure checks
    • Urine testing for blood and protein
    • Creatinine, eGFR, and potassium blood tests
    • Hearing assessments
    • Eye examinations when recommended
    • Review of medicines, pregnancy plans, and family testing

    These symptoms are not routine features to wait for at a scheduled visit.

The article also says

Children may also need monitoring of growth, school performance, and hearing-related communication.

Adults planning a pregnancy should request preconception review because kidney disease, high blood pressure, and some kidney medicines can affect pregnancy care.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Alport syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.