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Warning-sign checks

Hypersplenism: 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:

    • Bleeding that will not stop
    • Vomiting blood or passing black, tar-like stools with weakness or dizziness
    • Sudden severe pain under the left ribs or in the left shoulder, especially after an injury
    • Fainting, confusion, severe breathing difficulty, or signs of shock

    Sudden left-sided pain after an impact can be a sign of splenic injury and needs emergency assessment.

    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

    Seek prompt same-day medical advice if you develop:

    • Fever when you have been told your white blood cell count is very low
    • Fever after your spleen has been removed, especially if you feel unwell
    • New bleeding from the gums or nose that keeps returning
    • Many new bruises or pinpoint red or purple skin spots
    • Rapidly worsening weakness, breathlessness, or signs of infection
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up if you have known hypersplenism and notice increasing tiredness, more frequent bruising, repeated infections, or greater fullness under the left ribs.

    These changes may mean that your blood counts or spleen size need to be reassessed.

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