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 now if the person has:
Difficulty breathing
A seizure, collapse, or loss of consciousness
Extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking
Inability to drink or breastfeed
Repeated vomiting
Cold skin or an unusually low body temperature
Severe weakness or no response to food
Signs of shock, such as cold hands, a weak pulse, or reduced responsiveness
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
Swelling in both feet or legs together with poor growth, weight loss, reduced eating, or signs of malnutrition needs prompt medical assessment.
Do not wait for a routine growth appointment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
After treatment starts, keep all planned follow-up appointments.
Routine follow-up is used to check that swelling stays away, growth and appetite improve, therapeutic feeding is completed safely, and any infection or underlying condition is controlled.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Kwashiorkor. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.