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
Get emergency medical help for green vomit, severe or rapidly increasing abdominal swelling, inability to pass stool with worsening illness, or severe abdominal pain.
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 same-day assessment for sudden hearing loss.
Prompt treatment can matter, whether or not someone has Waardenburg syndrome.
In a person with Hirschsprung disease, fever, watery or bloody diarrhea, unusual sleepiness, or rapid deterioration may indicate enterocolitis and needs urgent assessment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine medical follow-up if you or your child has:
A failed newborn hearing screen or concern about hearing
Delayed speech or difficulty accessing spoken or signed language
Persistent constipation, abdominal swelling, or poor growth
A noticeable change in hearing
New balance, movement, or developmental concerns
Questions about genetic testing or inheritance
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Waardenburg syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.