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Warning-sign checks

Laryngitis: 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 if you or a child is struggling to breathe, has blue or grey lips or skin, cannot speak because of breathlessness, becomes unusually drowsy, or appears to have a blocked airway.

    Do not try to inspect or press down the throat when severe breathing or swallowing symptoms are present.

    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 help for noisy breathing, drooling, inability to swallow fluids, or rapidly increasing throat or neck swelling.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if your hoarseness is not clearly improving after about two weeks, keeps returning, or affects your ability to work or communicate.

    Laryngeal examination is generally recommended if a voice change continues for four weeks.

The article also says

Seek earlier assessment if you have:

A neck lump

Pain or difficulty when swallowing

Pain when speaking that does not settle

Coughing up blood

Unexplained weight loss

Hoarseness after neck surgery or placement of a breathing tube

A history of smoking with a persistent voice change

Sudden major voice loss after shouting, singing, or other forceful voice use

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