Congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair: 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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency help for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips or skin, collapse, unresponsiveness, choking with coughing or vomiting, or sudden severe chest or 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
Contact the surgical or neonatal team promptly for fever, increasing wound redness, swelling or drainage, worsening pain, repeated vomiting, a swollen abdomen, reduced feeding, fewer wet diapers, or a new breathing change.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Discuss non-urgent questions about feeding, reflux, activity, medicines, growth, or imaging during routine follow-up.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.