Cleft lip and palate repair: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, severe swelling around the mouth or throat, heavy bleeding that does not stop, collapse, or difficulty waking the patient.

   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Contact the surgical team promptly for worsening pain, poor fluid intake, repeated vomiting, fever, increasing redness, unpleasant-smelling drainage, new nasal leakage, or concern that the wound or stitches have opened.

   Seek urgent medical care for persistent bleeding, difficulty keeping fluids down, or dehydration signs such as very little urine or unusual sleepiness.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine questions about feeding, scar care, speech, activity, and appointments can usually wait for normal working hours.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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