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Warning-sign checks

Hemolytic anemia caused by chemicals and toxins: 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

    Seek emergency medical care for:

    • Trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or severe weakness
    • Confusion, unusual sleepiness, or a seizure
    • Blue or gray lips or skin
    • Rapidly developing jaundice or dark, cola-colored urine
    • Very little or no urine
    • A significant arsine gas or other high-risk industrial exposure
    • Symptoms that are worsening quickly after a chemical exposure

    Do not enter an area containing a suspected toxic gas without trained emergency equipment.

    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 a poison center promptly after a known or suspected harmful chemical exposure, even if symptoms have not appeared.

    Have the product container, label, or safety data sheet available if it is safe to do so.

    In the United States, Poison Help can be reached at 1-800-222-1222 .

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    For routine follow-up, arrange a medical review if fatigue, mild jaundice, or reduced exercise tolerance does not continue to improve after treatment.

    Recurrent symptoms may mean that exposure is continuing or that another cause of anemia needs evaluation.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hemolytic anemia caused by chemicals and toxins. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.