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Warning-sign checks

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: 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 for severe breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or chest pain with sweating or marked weakness.

    These symptoms require immediate assessment even if their cause is not FSGS.

    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 have diagnosed FSGS, contact your kidney team promptly about increasing swelling, reduced urine output, a clear weight rise over a short time, possible treatment side effects, or symptoms of relapse.

    Seek urgent medical help for:

    • New or worsening shortness of breath
    • Very little or no urine
    • Painful swelling in one leg
    • Sudden chest pain
    • Coughing up blood
    • Fever or signs of serious infection while taking immune-suppressing medicine
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine medical review for persistent foamy urine, new ankle or facial swelling, unexplained fluid-related weight gain, or repeated high blood pressure readings.

    These symptoms have many causes, but urine and blood tests can check kidney health.

    Keep planned follow-up appointments even when you feel well.

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