What to do if…
you develop facial or hand swelling with reduced or frothy urine

What to do now

1. Check for emergency signs. Call 911 for trouble breathing or swallowing, tongue or throat swelling, blue or gray lips, chest pain, fainting, a seizure, severe confusion, or rapidly worsening symptoms.

2. Go to an emergency department now if you cannot pass urine at all, especially if your lower abdomen feels painful or full. Also go now if the swelling is rapidly increasing or you become short of breath.

3. If you are still passing urine but the amount is clearly lower than usual, or the urine is repeatedly frothy alongside new swelling, contact your healthcare provider for a same-day assessment. Use an urgent care clinic or emergency department if your provider cannot assess you promptly or your symptoms are worsening.

4. If you are pregnant or have given birth within the past year, seek immediate medical care and clearly mention the facial or hand swelling and urine change. Contact your obstetric or maternity team when available.

5. Remove rings, a watch, and tight wrist items while they still come off easily. Seek urgent help if a trapped ring is causing increasing pain, numbness, coldness, or pale or blue skin.

6. Note when you last urinated, whether the amount is much lower than usual, whether the froth keeps appearing, and when the swelling began. Do not delay medical care to make exact measurements or collect a sample.

7. Gather a list of medicines and supplements, including recent antibiotics, pain relievers, water pills, blood-pressure medicines, and anything newly started. Take the list or containers to the assessment.

8. Tell the clinician about recent infections, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, pregnancy, recent childbirth, dark or bloody urine, new medicines, and any history of kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, lupus, or high blood pressure.