sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Congenital antithrombin III deficiency: 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

    Call emergency services for symptoms that may indicate a pulmonary embolism, including:

    • Sudden or severe difficulty breathing
    • Chest pain, especially with breathing
    • Coughing up blood
    • Fainting, severe dizziness, or collapse

    Stroke symptoms are also an emergency.

    These include sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, loss of vision, or a severe new neurological problem.

    If you take an anticoagulant, emergency assessment is needed for uncontrolled bleeding, vomiting blood, black stools, a major injury, or a significant blow to the head.

    Sudden severe headache, weakness, or confusion also needs emergency care.

    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

    Seek urgent same-day medical assessment for new swelling, pain, warmth, or colour change in one leg, particularly when symptoms appear after surgery, travel, illness, or reduced mobility.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up to discuss pregnancy plans, contraception containing oestrogen, an upcoming operation, persistent symptoms after a clot, or concerns about anticoagulant side effects.

    These situations need planning but are not usually emergencies when you otherwise feel well.

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