Pharyngitis - sore throat: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services now if you or someone in your care:

   • Is struggling to breathe or making a harsh noise while breathing
   • Cannot swallow saliva or is drooling because swallowing is impossible
   • Has blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
   • Becomes confused, collapses, or is very difficult to wake
   • Develops rapidly increasing swelling of the tongue, mouth, throat, or neck

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • 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 same-day medical care for severe one-sided throat pain, a muffled voice, difficulty opening the mouth, significant neck swelling, or worsening symptoms after an initial improvement.

   These can occur with an abscess or deeper infection.

   Prompt assessment is also appropriate if there are signs of dehydration, a widespread rash with fever, a weakened immune system, or severe symptoms in a young child.

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

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange routine medical follow-up if the sore throat lasts longer than expected, keeps returning, or comes with persistent hoarseness, a neck lump, or ongoing trouble swallowing.

   Follow-up is also sensible if prescribed treatment is not helping or causes side effects.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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