Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia: 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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency care for:
Severe or rapidly worsening shortness of breath
Chest pain, fainting, new confusion, or extreme weakness
Sudden breathlessness with a fast heartbeat or coughing blood
One-sided leg swelling or pain with chest or breathing symptoms
These may indicate severe anemia, strain on the heart, or a blood clot.
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 healthcare team promptly for new jaundice, dark urine, increasing breathlessness, a fast heartbeat, or a clear decline in energy.
These can be signs that hemolysis has become active again.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate for stable fatigue, questions about activity, non-urgent medicine side effects, or planning pregnancy, travel, dental work, or surgery.
The article also says
If you are taking immune-suppressing treatment, seek timely advice for fever or other signs of infection.
Follow any specific fever instructions provided with your treatment.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.