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Warning-sign checks

Malaise: 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

    Call emergency services now if malaise occurs with:

    • Severe trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, or crushing chest pain
    • New confusion, fainting, a seizure, or difficulty waking
    • Sudden weakness or numbness on one side
    • Swelling of the lips or tongue with breathing difficulty
    • A severe headache with new weakness, confusion, or loss of consciousness
    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

    Seek urgent same-day medical advice if you have a fever with a stiff neck, a new unexplained rash, rapidly worsening weakness, or repeated vomiting.

    You should also seek prompt help if you cannot keep fluids down, are passing very little urine, or have signs of dehydration such as a very dry mouth and persistent dizziness.

    Arrange an appointment sooner if you also have unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, night sweats, swollen glands, ongoing pain, or a major change in appetite.

The article also says

Contact a healthcare professional routinely if malaise lasts longer than about a week, keeps returning, or interferes with work, school, sleep, or daily activities.

People who are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or have a serious long-term condition may need earlier advice when new symptoms develop.

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