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 for difficulty breathing at rest, chest pain, fainting, confusion or severe weakness.
Emergency assessment is also appropriate for rapidly spreading skin redness, severe swelling, fever with marked illness, or difficulty waking.
These may indicate a serious infection.
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 specialist team promptly for:
Increasing weakness, dizziness or a fast heartbeat
Fever, pus or worsening redness around a wound
New eye pain, redness or blurred vision
More frequent blistering despite usual light protection
Increasing abdominal fullness that may suggest an enlarged spleen
These can be signs of serious anemia or another urgent problem.
A large burn or extensive blistering may need urgent wound and fluid care.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine medical advice if you notice new blistering, worsening tiredness, increasing shortness of breath, changes in vision or wounds that are not healing.
New red or dark urine also needs assessment if CEP has not already been confirmed, because urine color has several possible causes.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Guenther porphyria. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.