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 difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, a seizure, new severe confusion, or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
Uncontrolled bleeding from a dialysis fistula or graft is also an emergency.
Apply firm pressure to the bleeding area while waiting for help.
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 kidney or dialysis team promptly for increasing swelling, worsening itching, persistent nausea, reduced appetite, unexpected weight change, or a clear change in urine output.
If you receive dialysis, seek same-day advice for:
A missed dialysis session or interrupted treatment
Fever, redness, pain, swelling, or discharge around dialysis access
A fistula that has stopped buzzing or vibrating
Cloudy peritoneal dialysis fluid or new abdominal pain
Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea affecting fluid intake
Rapid weight gain or increasing breathlessness
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Keep routine kidney appointments even if you feel well.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on End-stage kidney disease. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.