IgA vasculitis - henoch-schonlein purpura: 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 constant abdominal pain
Vomiting blood, black stool, or a large amount of blood in stool
A non-blanching rash with fever and marked illness, unusual sleepiness, or neck stiffness
Difficulty breathing, collapse, a seizure, confusion, or sudden weakness
Severe dehydration or an inability to keep fluids down
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
Arrange prompt medical assessment for a new non-blanching purple rash, especially when it occurs with joint pain, abdominal pain, or changes in urine.
A clinician needs to distinguish IgA vasculitis from infections, blood disorders, and other causes of bleeding beneath the skin.
Seek same-day medical advice for:
Increasing abdominal pain or repeated vomiting
New blood in the urine or noticeably dark urine
Swelling around the eyes, legs, or ankles
Passing less urine than usual
New scrotal pain or swelling
A returning rash during follow-up
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is still needed when you or your child feels well.
Attend planned urine and blood pressure checks, and report new symptoms between appointments.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on IgA vasculitis - henoch-schonlein purpura. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.