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Warning-sign checks

Methemoglobinemia - acquired: 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 now if you or someone else has blue or gray lips or skin together with breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, a seizure, fainting, extreme drowsiness, or collapse.

    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

    Get urgent assessment after a suspected medicine or chemical exposure if there is a new blue-gray color, persistent shortness of breath, severe headache, unusual weakness, or a low pulse oximeter reading that does not improve as expected.

    Do not rely on a home pulse oximeter to decide that the condition is safe.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate after recovery to review the suspected trigger, repeat blood tests if advised, and update your medicine record.

    Arrange a non-emergency appointment if fatigue persists, symptoms return, or you are uncertain whether a prescribed medicine should be continued.

The article also says

Move away from fumes or chemicals if this can be done without entering a dangerous area.

Do not make yourself vomit or give a home antidote.

In the United States, Poison Control is available at 1-800-222-1222.

Elsewhere, contact your local poison information service.

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