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 if a child:
Vomits blood or passes black, tar-like stool
Is very difficult to wake, unusually floppy, or confused
Has severe breathing difficulty
Develops a rapidly increasing, tense abdomen
Has uncontrolled bleeding
Shows severe dehydration, such as very few wet nappies and marked drowsiness
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
Arrange prompt medical assessment if a baby:
Is still jaundiced after two weeks of age
Develops new or worsening jaundice
Passes pale, grey, white, or chalky stools
Has dark urine that stains the nappy
Is feeding poorly or not gaining weight
These signs need timely investigation but do not confirm EHBA by themselves.
After a Kasai operation, contact the child’s liver team urgently for fever, worsening jaundice, newly pale stools, unusual irritability, vomiting, or reduced feeding.
These may indicate cholangitis, which often needs rapid treatment to protect the liver.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Continue routine follow-up even without new symptoms.
Blood tests may detect changes before they are visible at home.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on EHBA. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.