Short philtrum: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services if there is serious trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, sudden facial weakness, or swelling of the lips or tongue.

   These symptoms are not caused by philtrum length, but they need immediate assessment.

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

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   A short philtrum by itself does not usually require urgent care.

   Seek same-day medical advice if a baby suddenly cannot feed normally, repeatedly chokes during feeds, or is taking much less milk than usual.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   You can arrange a routine appointment if:

   • The appearance is new or has changed noticeably
   • A baby has difficulty attaching to the breast or bottle
   • Eating, speech, dental development, or lip movement is affected
   • A child has concerns about growth, learning, or development
   • There are several unusual physical features
   • You want help understanding whether the measurement is within the expected range
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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