Ear tag: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911
   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

   Seek prompt medical advice if the skin becomes increasingly red, warm, swollen, painful, or starts producing pus.

   These may be signs of infection, particularly after injury or attempted home treatment.

   Get urgent help if bleeding is heavy or does not stop after steady pressure with clean gauze.

   This is unusual unless the tag has been cut or torn.

   Sudden hearing loss, severe ear pain, or discharge from the ear canal should still be assessed promptly, although these symptoms are unlikely to be caused by an uncomplicated ear tag.

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

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine appointment if an ear tag has not been assessed before, if you are considering removal, or if it repeatedly catches, bleeds, or becomes sore.

   Review is also appropriate if there are concerns about hearing, speech development, ear shape, or other differences present from birth.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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