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:
Chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, or a sustained rapid heartbeat
Vomiting blood or passing black, tar-like stools
Sudden confusion, extreme drowsiness, or difficulty waking
Severe weakness with yellow skin or rapidly increasing abdominal swelling
Fever or severe illness after eating raw or undercooked shellfish
These signs may reflect a serious heart problem, bleeding, advanced liver trouble, or severe 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 healthcare team promptly if you have known hemochromatosis and develop worsening ankle or abdominal swelling, increasing breathlessness, yellow skin or eyes, new palpitations, or symptoms of diabetes.
They require urgent assessment rather than waiting for a routine follow-up visit.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if you have persistent fatigue, joint pain, abdominal discomfort, skin darkening, or abnormal liver or iron blood tests.
These symptoms have many possible causes and need appropriate assessment rather than self-diagnosis.
You should also seek routine advice if a parent, sibling, or child has confirmed hereditary hemochromatosis.
Testing may be appropriate even if you have no symptoms.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hemochromatosis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.