Physical allergy urticaria: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services immediately for trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, fainting, severe wheezing, confusion, or rapidly worsening whole-body symptoms.

   Use prescribed adrenaline immediately if your emergency plan tells you to, then call emergency services.

   A reaction while swimming is also an emergency if there is weakness, dizziness, breathing difficulty, or widespread hives.

   The person should be removed from the water safely without putting another person at risk.

   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek prompt medical advice if:

   • Swelling affects your lips, face, or eyelids
   • Reactions are becoming more extensive or severe
   • Welts last in one place for more than 24 hours
   • Lesions bruise, blister, or leave persistent marks
   • You develop fever, joint pain, or feel generally unwell
   • You have had dizziness or breathing symptoms during a reaction
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine medical appointment if hives repeatedly follow cold, pressure, friction, heat, sunlight, exercise, water, or vibration.

   Assessment is also appropriate if episodes last longer than six weeks, interfere with daily life, or do not respond to your usual management.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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