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 severe trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, inability to stay awake, collapse, or a serious allergic reaction with facial swelling or breathing difficulty.
After a stem cell transplant, fever or signs of infection may require immediate assessment.
Follow the transplant team’s specific emergency plan.
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
Developmental slowing or loss of a previously learned skill also needs prompt assessment.
Seek urgent medical care for:
New weakness, numbness, or difficulty walking
New loss of bladder or bowel control
Severe neck or back pain, especially after an injury
Fainting, chest pain, or a sudden major drop in stamina
An infusion reaction that continues after the infusion has stopped
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if there are new or gradually worsening changes such as increased snoring, daytime sleepiness, reduced exercise tolerance, joint pain, hand numbness, hearing difficulty, vision changes, or loss of mobility.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Mucopolysaccharidosis type I. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.