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Warning-sign checks

Acidosis: 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

    Emergency symptoms include severe breathing difficulty, new confusion, inability to wake normally, seizure, collapse, blue or gray discoloration, or a suspected overdose or toxic exposure.

    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

    Contact a healthcare professional promptly for worsening shortness of breath, repeated vomiting or diarrhea, increasing weakness, unusual sleepiness, or difficulty controlling glucose or ketones.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up depends on why the acidosis occurred.

    After an acute episode, a clinician may repeat electrolyte, bicarbonate, kidney function, glucose, ketone, or blood gas tests to confirm that the problem has resolved.

    Routine follow-up may include:

    • Reviewing medicines and supplements
    • Monitoring kidney or lung disease
    • Checking bicarbonate and potassium levels
    • Updating a diabetes sick-day and ketone-testing plan
    • Discussing nutrition when kidney disease, alcohol use, or poor intake contributed
    • Planning how to recognize and respond to recurrence

The article also says

Do not stop a prescribed medicine solely because it is listed as a possible contributor.

A clinician can assess the medicine's benefits, the circumstances in which risk may increase, and whether an alternative is appropriate.

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