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Warning-sign checks

Sore throat: 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

    Call emergency services now if you have:

    • Trouble breathing, noisy breathing, or a feeling that your airway is closing
    • Swelling of the lips or tongue with throat tightness
    • Inability to swallow saliva, especially with drooling
    • Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
    • Severe weakness, confusion, or difficulty waking

    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
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek same-day medical care if you cannot drink enough, are passing much less urine, or have rapidly worsening pain or swelling.

    One-sided throat pain with a muffled voice or difficulty opening your mouth also needs prompt assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if your sore throat is not improving after about a week, keeps returning, or comes with persistent fever.

    Arrange an assessment for symptoms lasting several weeks, a neck lump, ongoing hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, or a weakened immune system.

The article also says

Babies and young children may not describe throat pain.

Seek medical advice if a child is not drinking, has fewer wet nappies, is unusually sleepy, or appears to be getting worse.

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