sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Radiation reaction: 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:

    • Severe or rapidly worsening trouble breathing
    • Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
    • Fainting, new confusion, or difficulty waking
    • Sudden weakness, loss of speech, or a seizure
    • Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as facial swelling with breathing difficulty
    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

    Contact your radiotherapy or cancer team promptly if the treated area becomes increasingly painful, swollen, weeping, blistered, or foul-smelling.

    Fever, pus, spreading redness, inability to keep fluids down, worsening diarrhoea, or difficulty swallowing also need timely advice.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange medical assessment for a new cough, breathlessness, bleeding, persistent pain, or changes in bladder or bowel function after radiotherapy.

    These symptoms may have several causes and should not automatically be attributed to treatment.

    Routine dryness, mild redness, tiredness, or slowly improving soreness can usually be discussed with the treatment team during normal service hours.

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