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Warning-sign checks

Milk-alkali syndrome: 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 if you or someone with you has:

    • New severe confusion or cannot be woken normally
    • A seizure
    • Collapse or fainting
    • Chest pain with a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
    • Severe weakness that makes standing or walking unsafe
    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 same-day medical advice if you have repeated vomiting, signs of dehydration, much less urine than usual, worsening weakness, or marked drowsiness.

    Prompt assessment is also appropriate if a recent blood test shows high calcium or worsening kidney function.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you regularly use calcium carbonate and develop ongoing constipation, nausea, increased thirst, frequent urination, unusual tiredness, or difficulty concentrating.

    These symptoms have many possible causes, but blood tests can check calcium and kidney function.

The article also says

Bring supplement and medicine containers to the assessment if this can be done without delaying care.

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