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Warning-sign checks

Felty syndrome: 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

    Call emergency services if you have signs of a severe infection, including:

    • Difficulty breathing
    • New confusion or extreme drowsiness
    • Fainting or severe dizziness
    • Blue, grey, pale, or blotchy skin
    • Severe weakness or rapidly worsening illness

    Tell the emergency team that you have neutropenia and rheumatoid arthritis.

    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

    Contact your healthcare team promptly if infections are becoming more frequent, wounds are not healing, or you have new urinary, chest, dental, or skin symptoms.

    A fever with neutropenia needs urgent medical assessment.

    A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher is commonly treated as urgent, even when you otherwise feel reasonably well.

    Do not wait for a routine appointment, because infection may progress without producing much redness, swelling, or pus.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up if you notice more fatigue, new mouth ulcers, increased joint symptoms, easy bruising, or fullness beneath the left ribs.

    These symptoms deserve assessment but are not usually emergencies by themselves.

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