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 there is difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, an inability to swallow saliva, blue or grey lips, severe drowsiness, or rapidly increasing swelling in the mouth or throat.
Fresh blood from the mouth or throat after a tonsillectomy is also an emergency, even if the bleeding appears to stop.
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 same-day help if you or your child:
Cannot drink enough or has signs of dehydration
Has rapidly worsening or severe one-sided throat pain
Has difficulty opening the mouth
Develops a muffled voice, marked neck swelling, or drooling
Has a weakened immune system and is becoming more unwell
Improves and then develops a new fever or worsening symptoms
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine medical advice if the sore throat is not beginning to improve after several days, keeps returning, or is making it difficult to eat and drink.
Assessment is also appropriate for persistent one-sided tonsil swelling, a lasting neck lump, or prolonged tiredness and swollen glands.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Tonsillitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.