Hay fever: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, fainting, confusion, or rapid swelling of the tongue or throat.

   These are not typical hay fever symptoms and may indicate a severe asthma attack or another serious allergic reaction.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   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 lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent medical advice for new or worsening wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath, especially if you have asthma and your usual action plan is not controlling the symptoms.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine appointment with a pharmacist or healthcare professional if:

   • Symptoms affect sleep, school, work, exercise, or daily activities
   • Pharmacy treatments have not provided enough relief
   • You are unsure which treatment is suitable
   • Symptoms occur throughout the year or the trigger is unclear
   • You have repeated nosebleeds, facial pain, or reduced smell
   • Hay fever appears to be worsening your asthma
   • You may need allergy testing or specialist immunotherapy
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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