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Warning-sign checks

Mucopolysaccharidosis type III: 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 urgent or emergency help for:

    • Severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, or inability to clear the airway
    • Choking that does not resolve
    • A seizure lasting longer than five minutes
    • Repeated seizures without recovery between them
    • Unresponsiveness or a major sudden change in awareness
    • A serious injury, especially involving the head

    Follow an existing seizure or emergency plan if one has been provided.

    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

    Prompt assessment is important after repeated choking or chest infections because these can indicate swallowing or airway problems.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine medical review for new or worsening symptoms such as:

    • Changes in sleep, behavior or alertness
    • Possible hearing loss
    • New staring spells, shaking or unexplained falls
    • Coughing during meals or taking much longer to eat
    • Weight loss, constipation or ongoing diarrhea
    • Reduced walking, stiffness or signs of pain
    • Increasing snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep

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