Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Get emergency help for:

   • A nosebleed or other bleeding that is heavy or will not stop
   • Coughing or vomiting a large amount of blood
   • Sudden weakness, facial drooping, speech difficulty, or loss of vision
   • A first seizure, fainting, confusion, or a sudden severe headache
   • Severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, or blue-grey lips
   • Fever with severe headache, neurological symptoms, or marked drowsiness

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   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 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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek prompt medical advice for black or bloody stools, worsening breathlessness, repeated dizziness, new swelling, coughing up a small amount of blood, or symptoms suggesting anemia.

   These symptoms do not always result from HHT, but they require urgent assessment.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange routine medical follow-up if you have repeated nosebleeds, visible telangiectasias, unexplained low iron, or a close relative with HHT.

   Medical review is also appropriate if established symptoms become more frequent or begin affecting sleep, work, school, or exercise.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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