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Warning-sign checks

Macroamylasemia: 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 severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, fainting, confusion, trouble breathing, vomiting blood, or black stools.

    A previous diagnosis of macroamylasemia does not rule out an unrelated emergency.

    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 medical advice if you have:

    • New or worsening abdominal pain
    • Repeated vomiting or difficulty keeping fluids down
    • Fever with abdominal pain
    • Yellow skin or eyes
    • A swollen or very tender abdomen

    These symptoms are not typical of macroamylasemia and may need assessment for another condition.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up if a raised amylase level has not been explained or if macroamylasemia has been suggested but not confirmed.

    Routine review is also reasonable if you develop recurring mild abdominal symptoms, unexplained weight loss, ongoing diarrhoea, or other lasting changes in digestion.

    It can generally be reviewed through routine care, taking into account lipase, kidney function, symptoms, and previous results.

The article also says

An isolated high amylase result without symptoms is not usually an emergency.

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