sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Parathyroid adenoma: 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 medical help if you have known or suspected high calcium and develop confusion, difficulty staying awake, repeated vomiting, severe weakness, collapse, or signs of marked dehydration such as very little urine.

    These can be signs of severe hypercalcaemia.

    After neck surgery, sudden neck swelling, difficulty breathing, or rapidly increasing tightness in the neck is an emergency.

    Call emergency services.

    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

    Get prompt medical advice if you develop symptoms of a kidney stone, such as severe pain in the side or back, especially with fever, vomiting, or difficulty passing urine.

    New tingling around the mouth, muscle cramps, or spasms after parathyroid surgery may indicate low calcium and should also be assessed promptly.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up if fatigue, thirst, constipation, bone pain, or concentration problems are worsening.

    Keep planned blood, bone density, and kidney checks even when you have no symptoms.

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