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
Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, collapse, or unresponsiveness.
These symptoms may indicate fluid overload, a heart problem, a serious potassium disturbance, or another emergency.
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 your healthcare team promptly if swelling is increasing, your urine output has clearly decreased, or you are repeatedly vomiting and struggling to drink.
Seek urgent medical help for:
New or worsening shortness of breath
Severe weakness, fainting, or marked confusion
A very fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
Little or no urine, especially during an illness
Rapidly increasing swelling or sudden weight gain
Do not wait for a routine appointment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine follow-up if you have missed kidney screening, notice ongoing ankle swelling or foamy urine, or have questions about medicine safety.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Diabetic kidney disease. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.