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Warning-sign checks

Infectious esophagitis: 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

    Seek emergency care if you:

    • Vomit blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
    • Pass black, tar-like stools with weakness or light-headedness
    • Develop sudden or severe chest pain, especially with breathing difficulty
    • Cannot swallow your saliva or any fluids
    • Faint, become confused, or have signs of severe dehydration
    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

    Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you develop new painful or difficult swallowing, particularly if you have a weakened immune system.

    You should also seek prompt advice for fever, repeated vomiting, reduced urination, worsening weakness, or rapid unintended weight loss.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is important if symptoms are not improving within the timeframe given by your care team, return after treatment, or continue to limit eating.

    Keep scheduled blood tests if your treatment requires monitoring.

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