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Warning-sign checks

Nocardiosis: 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 for:

    • Severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, or collapse
    • A seizure
    • Sudden confusion or difficulty staying awake
    • New one-sided weakness, facial drooping, or trouble speaking

    These symptoms may have causes other than nocardiosis, but they need immediate assessment.

    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 advice if you have a weakened immune system and develop a persistent fever, worsening cough, shortness of breath, or a new painful skin swelling.

    A severe or worsening headache, repeated vomiting, balance problems, or changes in vision also need prompt assessment.

    If you are already receiving treatment, contact your medical team promptly if symptoms are getting worse, you cannot keep the antibiotics down, or you develop a widespread rash, unusual bruising, severe diarrhoea, or reduced urination.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is used to review gradual recovery, blood-test results, medication side effects, and repeat scans.

    Bring up ongoing fatigue, cough, pain, or difficulty returning to normal activities at these appointments.

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