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Warning-sign checks

Visceromegaly: 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

    Get emergency help for:

    • Sudden or severe abdominal pain
    • Upper-left abdominal pain after a fall, collision, or blow
    • Pain with fainting, severe dizziness, weakness, or clammy skin
    • Severe breathing difficulty or rapidly worsening swelling
    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 for new or worsening abdominal pain with fever, repeated vomiting, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or marked abdominal swelling.

    These features may need prompt assessment but do not always mean there is a serious cause.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you have persistent upper-abdominal fullness, unexplained swelling, early fullness with meals, or a lump beneath your ribs.

    You should also follow up if an enlarged organ was found on a scan, even if you feel well.

The article also says

If you know your spleen is enlarged, avoid contact sports and activities that could cause a blow to your abdomen until a clinician says they are safe.

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