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Warning-sign checks

Hemoglobin C disease: 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 fainting, severe breathing difficulty, confusion, chest pain, or extreme weakness.

    These can be signs of severe anemia or another serious problem.

    Severe pain in the upper left abdomen after an injury, especially with left shoulder pain, dizziness, or fainting, may indicate bleeding from the spleen and requires 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

    Get prompt medical help for:

    • A sudden increase in paleness, weakness, or breathlessness
    • New dark urine or rapidly worsening jaundice
    • Persistent pain under the left ribs or in the upper right abdomen
    • Fever with abdominal pain, vomiting, or jaundice
    • Symptoms of anemia during an infection
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you develop increasing tiredness, more frequent jaundice, abdominal fullness, or reduced exercise tolerance.

    Also seek advice before pregnancy or if you are unsure whether your diagnosis is HbCC, hemoglobin C trait, or hemoglobin SC disease.

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