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Warning-sign checks

Collagen vascular disease: 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

    The appropriate setting may be the clinician’s office, an urgent care service, or an emergency department depending on severity and availability.

    Call emergency services for severe trouble breathing, chest pressure or pain, coughing up blood, fainting, sudden one-sided weakness, difficulty speaking, a seizure, new severe confusion, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.

    These symptoms can have many causes, but they require immediate assessment.

    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 the care team for routine or prompt advice if symptoms gradually change, a rash persists, joint swelling increases, Raynaud episodes become more frequent, or medicine side effects develop.

    Report possible infections, especially when taking immune-suppressing medicine.

    Do not wait for a scheduled visit if symptoms are worsening.

    Seek urgent same-day medical advice for a painful finger or toe that remains pale, blue, or dark; a marked decrease in urination; new significant muscle weakness; persistent fever while taking immune-suppressing medicine; or rapidly increasing swelling.

    New chest pain, breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding, severe headache, or other major symptoms during pregnancy need prompt medical evaluation.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up may include a review of symptoms, examination, blood pressure measurement, and blood or urine testing.

    The schedule depends on the diagnosis, current treatment, and organs that may be affected.

    Some people also need periodic lung, heart, eye, or bone monitoring.

The article also says

People who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should maintain close contact with their rheumatology and obstetric teams.

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