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Warning-sign checks

Juvenile angiofibroma: 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

    Seek emergency help for:

    • A heavy nosebleed that does not stop with firm pressure
    • Bleeding that makes it hard to breathe
    • Fainting, confusion, marked weakness, or severe breathlessness
    • Vomiting or choking on a large amount of blood
    • Sudden loss of vision or a major new neurological symptom

    While waiting for emergency help during a nosebleed, sit upright and lean forward rather than lying flat.

    Pinch the soft part of the nose continuously.

    Do not tilt your head back, because this can cause blood to run into your throat.

    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 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

    If you have already been diagnosed, contact your specialist promptly for increasing nosebleeds, worsening blockage, new facial swelling, reduced hearing, numbness, persistent headache, or changes in vision.

    These symptoms may require an earlier examination or scan.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if you have repeated nosebleeds, especially when they come from the same side, or if one side of your nose stays blocked without a clear reason.

    These symptoms are usually caused by something other than juvenile angiofibroma, but they should be assessed.

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