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Warning-sign checks

Rheumatoid arthritis: 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 care for:

    • Severe trouble breathing, chest pressure, or blue or gray lips
    • Sudden facial drooping, weakness, difficulty speaking, or confusion
    • A severe allergic reaction with swelling of the face or throat
    • Coughing or vomiting blood, or passing black, tar-like stool
    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

    Arrange prompt medical advice for a new hot, very swollen joint, especially with fever, because a joint infection must be considered.

    Also contact the care team promptly for fever or other signs of infection while taking immune-suppressing medicine, unexplained bruising, yellow skin or eyes, a new widespread rash, or worsening shortness of breath.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Rheumatoid arthritis usually requires continuing follow-up.

    Visits may be more frequent when treatment begins or changes.

    A clinician may assess swollen and tender joints, pain, stiffness, fatigue, physical function, blood results, medication side effects, and progress toward low disease activity or remission.

    Keep scheduled blood tests and tell the care team about new medicines, supplements, infections, pregnancy plans, or planned surgery.

    Do not stop a DMARD or steroid without medical advice.

    Report persistent symptoms or possible side effects rather than waiting for the next routine visit.

    Routine concerns such as gradual changes in stiffness, fatigue, or day-to-day function can usually be discussed at a scheduled visit or through the clinician’s usual advice service.

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