Paleness
Alternative Names
Skin pale or gray; PallorWhen to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your doctor or emergency number if a person suddenly develops generalized paleness. Emergency action may be needed to maintain proper blood circulation.
Also call your doctor if paleness is accompanied by shortness of breath, blood in the stool, or other unexplained symptoms.
The doctor will examine you and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:
- Did the paleness develop suddenly?
- Did it happen after reminders of a traumatic event?
- Are you pale all over or only in one part of the body? If so, where?
- What other symptoms do you have? For example, do you have pain, shortness of breath, blood in the stool, or are you vomiting blood?
- Do you have a pale arm, hand, leg or foot, and cannot feel a pulse in the area?
Tests that may be done include:
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by
URAC, also known as the American
Accreditation HealthCare Commission. URAC's accreditation program is
the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and
accountability, verified by independent audit.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2005 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.