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Warning-sign checks

Thalassemia: 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 for severe trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, confusion, extreme weakness, or a rapid decline in alertness.

    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

    If you already have thalassemia, contact your care team promptly about:

    • Increasing fatigue, breathlessness, or reduced ability to exercise
    • New jaundice or dark urine
    • Increasing abdominal swelling or pain under the left ribs
    • Fever, especially after spleen removal or with a central intravenous line
    • Missed transfusions or difficulty taking iron chelation treatment
    • Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant

    During or after a blood transfusion, immediately report fever, chills, breathing difficulty, facial swelling, chest or back pain, or dark urine.

    These can be signs of a transfusion reaction and require urgent assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine medical follow-up if you have persistent tiredness, pale skin, unexplained anemia, or a blood count showing small red blood cells.

    Testing is also reasonable if thalassemia runs in your family or if a biological partner is a carrier.

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