Laryngoscopy and nasolaryngoscopy: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for severe trouble breathing, rapidly increasing throat or neck swelling, blue or grey lips, collapse, or heavy bleeding.

   These are emergency symptoms rather than routine recovery.

   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 urgent medical advice for bleeding that is more than a small amount, repeated coughing or vomiting of blood, worsening difficulty swallowing, or inability to keep fluids down.

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

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   For routine concerns, contact your healthcare team if pain, hoarseness, swallowing difficulty, or a minor nosebleed is not improving as expected.

   Also call if you develop a fever, worsening throat swelling, persistent vomiting, or signs of infection.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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