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Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus: 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

    Seek emergency help if you or someone with possible NDI:

    • Cannot drink enough to replace ongoing urine losses
    • Becomes confused, very drowsy, or difficult to wake
    • Has a seizure or collapses
    • Has severe weakness or loss of coordination
    • Is an infant with marked sleepiness, poor feeding, or signs of dehydration
    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

    Children should be assessed promptly for constant thirst, unusually heavy wet diapers, poor feeding, repeated unexplained fever, vomiting, constipation, poor weight gain, or slower growth.

    Contact your care team promptly if you have known NDI and develop vomiting, diarrhea, fever, reduced access to water, or a clear change in urine output.

    You may need changes to your fluid plan, medicines, or monitoring.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if you develop persistent excessive thirst, repeatedly wake to urinate, or pass much more urine than usual.

    These symptoms need assessment even if you can keep up by drinking.

The article also says

A person who is confused or unconscious should not be forced to drink because of the risk of choking.

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