Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (GN): 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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency help for:
Severe or rapidly worsening breathing difficulty
Confusion, unusual drowsiness, fainting, or a seizure
Severe headache with vision changes or repeated vomiting
Chest pain or blue, grey, or very pale skin
Almost no urine together with worsening swelling or illness
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 urgent medical assessment if dark urine, facial or leg swelling, or clearly reduced urine production develops after a recent sore throat or skin infection.
These symptoms have several possible causes and need testing rather than self-diagnosis.
Get same-day medical advice if someone already being monitored for PSGN has increasing swelling, repeated vomiting, worsening headache, much less urine, or difficulty taking prescribed medicines and fluids.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up remains important even when the urine looks normal and swelling has disappeared.
Blood pressure, microscopic blood or protein in the urine, and kidney function can take longer to return to normal.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (GN). If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.