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Warning-sign checks

Pernicious anemia: 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 for chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or sudden one-sided weakness, facial drooping, or trouble speaking.

    These symptoms can have causes other than pernicious anemia and need immediate assessment.

    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 urgent medical care for rapidly worsening weakness, new difficulty walking, severe breathlessness, fainting, or a very fast heartbeat.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if you develop ongoing tiredness, breathlessness with ordinary activity, pins and needles, numbness, a sore tongue, memory changes, or unexplained balance problems.

    Earlier assessment is especially important if symptoms are progressing.

The article also says

If you already receive treatment, request a review if symptoms return before injections, do not improve as expected, or if appointments have been missed.

Persistent indigestion, swallowing difficulty, vomiting, black stools, or unintentional weight loss also need timely assessment.

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