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Warning-sign checks

Botulinum toxin injection - larynx: when to get help

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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, inability to swallow saliva, blue or grey lips, collapse, or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as facial swelling with breathing trouble.

    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical care if you cannot swallow liquids safely, repeatedly choke, develop marked weakness, or have a rapidly worsening voice or swallowing problem.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Contact your treating team during routine hours if breathiness, coughing with liquids or voice weakness is more severe or lasts longer than they told you to expect.

    Also call if there is increasing pain, swelling, fever, persistent swallowing trouble or no noticeable treatment effect.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Botulinum toxin injection - larynx. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.