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 if your child is struggling to breathe, has pauses in breathing, develops blue or grey lips, becomes very difficult to wake, or appears to be choking.
Severe breathing trouble is an emergency even if the nose seems to be the main problem.
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 urgent medical care if:
A baby younger than 3 months has a fever
Your child is breathing rapidly or pulling in under the ribs
Your child cannot drink enough or has signs of dehydration
You suspect a button battery or magnets are in the nose
Clear watery fluid drains from the nose after a serious head injury
Swelling or redness develops around an eye
Contact a doctor the same day if your child seems very unwell, symptoms improve and then clearly worsen, or there is one-sided foul-smelling or bloody discharge.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if congestion lasts longer than 10 days without improving, keeps returning, or regularly affects sleep, feeding, hearing, or school.
Ongoing facial pain, frequent nosebleeds, persistent snoring, or long-term mouth breathing should also be assessed.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Stuffy or runny nose - children. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.