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 if nasal symptoms occur with severe trouble breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, faintness, or widespread hives.
These may be signs of a severe allergic reaction.
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 medical care the same day if you have:
Swelling around an eye, painful eye movement, or a change in vision
Severe or rapidly worsening one-sided facial swelling or pain
A severe headache with neck stiffness, confusion, or marked drowsiness
Clear, watery drainage from one nostril after a significant head injury
Fever with severe illness or rapidly worsening symptoms
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if symptoms last more than about ten days without improving, improve and then become worse, or keep returning.
Also arrange an assessment for ongoing one-sided blockage, repeated nosebleeds, loss of smell, troublesome facial pain, or symptoms that regularly disturb sleep.
If allergies seem likely, seek routine advice when avoiding triggers and pharmacy treatments are not enough.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Stuffy or runny nose – adult. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.