When to call your doctor Thalassemia (1932)

Key points below


Call the Hematology Clinic at 414-266-2420, option #2.
After hours, urgent calls will be transferred to the Children’s Wisconsin Operator and you will ask for the Hematologist on-call to be paged.

ALERT:  Call 911 or emergency services right away if your child: 

Call your doctor right away if:

They have these symptoms of low hemoglobin (red cells or RBCs)

A red cell transfusion may be needed.

Weak 
Very sleepy
Dizzy or light headed
Headache
Fast pulse (heartbeats)
Eyes or skin get more yellow
Pale skin

Signs of gallbladder disease (cholecystitis)
Extreme belly pain on the right side
Upset stomach or throwing up
Yellow eyes or skin

Signs of a severe infection
Temperature of 101.5°F (38.5°C) or higher for 3 days or more
Shaking and chills

Signs of heart disease
Chest pain
Shortness of breath at any time: Breathing fast and shallow and feeling like you can’t get enough air
Feeling light-headed or dizzy
Fast heartbeat
Irregular heartbeat

Signs of a neurological problem
Seizure
Extreme headache
Not being able to pee
Pooping accidents
Problems using arms or legs 

Signs of a blood clot
Swelling, redness, pain of an arm or leg
Extreme headache
Chest pain 
Breathing fast and shallow and feeling like you can’t get enough air (Shortness of breath)

ALERT

Call your health care team if you have any other questions or concerns or if your child:

  • Is exposed to chicken pox or measles. Review the handout on chicken pox exposure.
  • Is not able to drink fluids or keep them in the stomach (throwing up) for 24 hours. 
  • If your infant has not been able to drink fluid or keep fluid in the stomach for 12 hours. 
  • Is not peeing at least 4 times a day.
  • Has liquid poop that keeps going for 24 hours.
  • Does not poop in 3 days.
  • Can’t take medicines.
  • Has tried what the doctor told your child to do and it is not working.
  • Has noticed any changes, even something like just feeling different than normal. 
  • Has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.