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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, choking that does not clear, a prolonged seizure, repeated seizures without recovery, or sudden unresponsiveness.
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact the usual specialist team promptly about:
New coughing or choking during meals
Increasing shortness of breath
A noticeable change in swallowing
New seizures, cataplexy, or repeated falls
Yellow skin or eyes
Rapidly increasing abdominal swelling
Severe pain in the upper left abdomen after a fall or blow also needs urgent assessment because an enlarged spleen can be vulnerable to injury.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical review if you or your child develops a new or gradual change such as increasing falls, worsening speech, reduced appetite, weight loss, more bruising, declining school performance, or greater difficulty with usual activities.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Niemann-pick disease. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.