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Warning-sign checks

Disseminated intravascular coagulation: 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

    Suspected acute DIC needs emergency hospital assessment.

    If you are outside hospital, call emergency services for heavy or uncontrolled bleeding, vomiting blood, coughing blood, sudden confusion, fainting, severe breathlessness, chest pain, or signs of stroke.

    Sudden coldness, severe pain, numbness, or blue-black colour in a hand, foot, finger, or toe also requires emergency care.

    These signs can mean blood flow is severely reduced.

    Routine follow-up is different from emergency care.

    After recovery, scheduled visits may include blood tests, organ-function checks, medicine reviews, and management of the condition that caused DIC.

    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

    If you are already in hospital, promptly report new bleeding, increasing bruising, chest pain, breathing difficulty, reduced urine, or new pain and swelling.

    Contact your care team sooner if bruising or bleeding returns, but do not wait for a routine appointment if bleeding is heavy or you feel acutely unwell.

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