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Warning-sign checks

Vasculitis: 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 emergency care for:

    • Sudden loss or major change in vision
    • New facial droop, speech difficulty, confusion, or one-sided weakness
    • Severe chest pain, collapse, or marked breathing difficulty
    • Coughing up more than small streaks of blood
    • Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain
    • A cold, pale, very painful, or suddenly weak limb
    • Heavy bleeding, black stools, or vomiting blood
    • A sudden severe headache unlike your usual headaches

    These symptoms can indicate serious damage to an organ or blood vessel.

    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

    If you already have vasculitis, contact your healthcare team promptly about returning symptoms, new swelling, changes in urine, worsening breathlessness, new numbness, or possible medicine side effects.

    Fever during immune-suppressing treatment may indicate an infection and deserves prompt advice.

    They also have other possible causes, but urgent assessment is important.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine medical advice if you develop a persistent unexplained rash, fever, weight loss, unusual fatigue, muscle or joint pain, numbness, or weakness.

    These symptoms are not usually emergencies, but they should be assessed if they persist or occur together.

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