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Warning-sign checks

Parainfluenza: 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

    Seek emergency help for signs that the body is not getting enough air or that the airway may be severely narrowed.

    These include:

    • Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
    • Severe difficulty breathing or pauses in breathing
    • Marked pulling in between or under the ribs
    • Stridor that is constant at rest and getting worse
    • Drooling with difficulty swallowing
    • Extreme sleepiness, poor responsiveness, or collapse

    A child who is struggling to breathe should be kept as calm as possible while emergency help is arranged.

    Do not force food, drink, or an examination of the throat.

    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

    Get prompt medical advice if breathing is faster or harder than usual, wheezing is new, a child has stridor at rest, or symptoms are steadily worsening.

    Babies under 3 months with a fever should also be assessed promptly.

The article also says

Contact a healthcare professional if there are signs of dehydration, such as very little urine, a dry mouth, no tears when crying, or difficulty keeping fluids down.

Medical review is also appropriate for a persistent or returning fever, chest pain, worsening cough, or poor feeding.

People with a weakened immune system, a recent transplant, or a serious heart or lung condition should seek advice earlier in the illness, even when symptoms initially seem mild.

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