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 medical care for any rapidly spreading mouth or facial wound, especially if tissue is turning grey or black or a hole is forming through the cheek or lip.
Breathing difficulty, inability to swallow, severe weakness, reduced alertness, or signs of severe dehydration also require emergency help.
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
Arrange urgent same-day assessment for:
Rapid cheek, lip, or jaw swelling
Bleeding gums with foul breath, fever, or mouth ulcers
Dark or dead-looking tissue inside the mouth
Difficulty eating, drinking, or opening the mouth
Mouth changes in a severely undernourished or recently ill child
These symptoms can have causes other than noma, but they should not be watched at home while they worsen.
Contact the care team sooner if a wound starts spreading, fever returns, eating becomes harder, or jaw movement decreases.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
After active treatment, routine follow-up is needed for wound checks, nutrition, dental care, jaw exercises, and planning reconstruction.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Noma. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.