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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency help for severe difficulty breathing, fainting, chest pain, confusion, or bleeding that will not stop with the measures your surgical team provided.
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent medical advice for:
Bleeding that is heavy, persistent, or repeatedly fills the throat
Increasing pain, redness, swelling, or foul-smelling drainage
Fever or feeling increasingly unwell
Sudden change in the shape of the nose
A splint that comes out or blocks breathing significantly
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Contact your surgical team during routine hours if crusting, blockage, discomfort, or drainage is not improving as expected.
Also call if a splint shifts or you are unsure how to perform nasal care.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Nasal septal perforation repair. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.