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Warning-sign checks

Lymphedema: 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 help for swelling with severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, coughing blood, fainting, or sudden confusion.

    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 urgent same-day medical care if the affected area suddenly becomes red, hot, painful, or much more swollen.

    Fever, chills, or feeling unwell may indicate cellulitis.

    Sudden one-sided leg swelling with significant pain may be caused by a blood clot and also needs urgent assessment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment for new or gradually increasing swelling, especially if it affects one limb or follows surgery, radiation, infection, or injury.

    Also seek review for persistent heaviness, tightness, skin thickening, or repeated infections.

The article also says

Ask for timely advice if a compression garment causes pain, numbness, blue or pale fingers or toes, broken skin, or rapidly increasing swelling.

Remove a garment that is clearly cutting off circulation while seeking advice.

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