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
Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, sudden facial drooping, difficulty speaking, sudden one-sided weakness, or another rapid neurological change.
These are not typical dryness symptoms and 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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent same-day care for:
A painful red eye, sensitivity to light, or a sudden vision change
New, persistent, hard, or one-sided salivary-gland swelling
Fever with a hot, painful, swollen salivary gland
Difficulty swallowing enough fluid or signs of dehydration
New blood in the urine, marked leg swelling, or worsening breathlessness
Unexplained enlarged lymph nodes, drenching night sweats, or weight loss
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if dry eyes or dry mouth last for several weeks, interfere with eating or sleep, or contribute to repeated dental problems.
Ongoing fatigue, joint pain, recurrent salivary-gland swelling, or new numbness also deserves assessment.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Sjogren syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.