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
These symptoms usually need assessment, but they are not automatically an emergency.
Call emergency services for:
Severe trouble breathing
Chest pain or pressure
Fainting, severe confusion, or difficulty waking
A very fast or irregular heartbeat with dizziness or weakness
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 new palpitations, worsening breathlessness, ankle swelling, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or rapidly increasing weakness.
During or soon after a transfusion, report fever, chills, hives, breathing difficulty, chest or back pain, or dark urine immediately.
These may be signs of a transfusion reaction rather than iron overload and require urgent assessment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine medical review if you have increasing fatigue, declining exercise tolerance, new abdominal discomfort, joint symptoms, changes in menstrual periods or sexual function, or difficulty taking prescribed chelation.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Iron overload anemia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.