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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, collapse, or a serious reaction after taking aspirin or another medicine.
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek a prompt assessment if you develop:
Blockage or a visible growth mainly on one side
Repeated nosebleeds or blood-stained nasal discharge
Increasing one-sided facial pain
A significant change in symptoms after previous treatment
Asthma symptoms that are becoming harder to control
Seek urgent medical help for swelling or redness around an eye, double vision, reduced vision, severe headache, confusion, a stiff neck, or rapidly worsening illness with fever.
These can be signs that an infection has spread beyond the sinuses.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if nasal blockage, reduced smell, or sinus symptoms last longer than expected for a cold, keep returning, or interfere with sleep and daily activities.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Nasal polyps. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.