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Warning-sign checks

GVHD: 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 trouble breathing, fainting, confusion, uncontrolled bleeding, signs of severe dehydration, or a rapidly worsening reaction affecting the skin or several organs.

    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 transplant team promptly about any new symptom that could represent GVHD or infection.

    Early assessment is especially important for a new rash, ongoing vomiting or diarrhoea, yellow skin or eyes, worsening mouth pain, painful eyes, or a new cough.

    Seek same-day medical advice for:

    • Rapidly spreading rash, blistering, or skin peeling
    • Frequent watery diarrhoea, blood in stool, or inability to keep fluids down
    • New jaundice or very dark urine
    • Fever at or above the threshold given by your transplant team
    • New shortness of breath, wheezing, or a clear fall in exercise tolerance
    • Severe eye pain, light sensitivity, or a sudden vision change

    Do not wait for a routine appointment if symptoms are new or getting worse.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Stable symptoms, medicine side effects, rehabilitation needs, and routine monitoring can usually be discussed at planned follow-up.

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