When a health problem needs urgent help

Severe allergic symptoms need emergency care

NIH is the National Institutes of Health. MedlinePlus is its public health information service.

NIH MedlinePlus says a severe allergic reaction can be life-threatening and develop in seconds or minutes.

Possible symptoms include dizziness, loss of consciousness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or swelling in the face or tongue.

Call 911 or go straight to the nearest emergency room.

An extreme response to infection is also urgent

CDC is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sepsis is an extreme reaction by the body to infection; CDC calls it a life-threatening medical emergency.

Its signs can include shortness of breath, a weak pulse, confusion, severe discomfort, clammy skin, and fever or feeling very cold.

Reporting a medicine problem is a separate step

FDA is the Food and Drug Administration.

MedWatch is FDA’s public reporting programme, which patients can use to report problems with medicines.

Raise questions about your treatment with your care team.

Save the product name and packaging details along with your account of what happened to discuss with whoever treats you.