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 difficulty breathing, blue or gray lips, inability to speak normally because of breathlessness, fainting, or swelling of the tongue or throat.
These are not typical features of uncomplicated seasonal allergies.
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent medical advice for significant breathing symptoms, rapidly worsening asthma, or eye pain with changes in vision.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment or speak with a pharmacist if:
You are unsure whether your symptoms are allergies or an infection
Symptoms disrupt sleep, school, work, exercise, or daily activities
Non-prescription treatment is not controlling symptoms
You have repeated nosebleeds, facial pain, or a reduced sense of smell
Symptoms continue outside the expected season
You develop coughing, wheezing, or worsening asthma symptoms
You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or choosing treatment for a young child
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Seasonal allergies. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.