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Warning-sign checks

Allergic rhinitis: 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

    Call emergency services for serious trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, fainting, or rapidly worsening wheezing.

    These can be signs of a severe allergic reaction or another medical emergency rather than routine allergic rhinitis.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • 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 prompt medical assessment for persistent one-sided blockage, frequent nosebleeds, severe facial pain, high fever, swelling around an eye, vision changes, or a severe headache.

    These symptoms are not typical of uncomplicated allergic rhinitis.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up if symptoms remain bothersome after appropriate self-care, interfere with sleep or daily activities, or require frequent medicine use.

    Follow-up is also appropriate if the diagnosis is uncertain, side effects occur, or asthma is not well controlled.

    They may adjust the treatment approach, arrange allergy testing, or refer to an allergist or ear, nose, and throat specialist.

The article also says

A clinician can review whether the medicine is being used consistently and with the correct technique.

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