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
Call emergency services for:
Difficulty breathing or new chest pain
Signs of stroke, such as facial drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty
Fainting, severe confusion, or loss of consciousness
A seizure or sudden severe weakness
Severe pain with breathing problems or marked drowsiness
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
Seek prompt medical advice for a clear increase in fatigue, jaundice, breathlessness, abdominal swelling, or pain.
Fever in someone with sickle cell disease needs urgent assessment because serious infection can progress quickly.
Follow any temperature threshold and action plan given by the treating service.
Get urgent help for a painful erection that is not settling, sudden severe pallor, rapidly worsening weakness, or pain that cannot be managed using the agreed plan.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine follow-up if you have a diagnosed hemoglobinopathy, even when you feel well.
Monitoring may include blood counts, iron measurements, organ checks, and reviews of medicines or transfusion plans.
These symptoms can have causes other than a hemoglobinopathy, but they should not be managed through routine follow-up.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hemoglobinopathy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.