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 swelling in your neck, mouth, or tongue is making it difficult to breathe, or if you cannot swallow your saliva.
Sudden swelling of the lips or tongue with breathing difficulty, faintness, or widespread hives may be a severe allergic reaction.
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 same-day medical care if:
A neck swelling is growing quickly
Swallowing liquids is becoming difficult
The swelling is very painful, red, or hot and you have a fever
You feel seriously unwell or unusually drowsy
You have a weakened immune system and develop new swollen nodes
Arrange an assessment sooner if a lump feels hard or fixed in place, appears near the collarbone, or occurs in several areas.
And for anyone, someone who:
has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if the swelling lasts several weeks, continues to enlarge, keeps returning, or has no clear link to an infection.
You should also make an appointment if swollen nodes come with persistent fever, drenching night sweats, unexplained weight loss, ongoing itching, or unusual tiredness.
These symptoms can have several causes and need proper assessment.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Swollen glands. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.