[chuviskkk]

Gordo, I'm going to buy you a car so you can get to the point occasionally...

Sure, he needs to ring the dentist but saying "OMG you're going to die NOW!" is hardly helping, is it?

That's very generous of you, but as I've already got two cars, some petrol vouchers would be preferred - unless it's one of the 4 litre GT3 Porsches.
I didn't say he was about to die - anyway, I thought you'd started to read what I said? [no]
However, it can be argued I was a bit strong in stressing the importance of treatment rather than just leaving it, although I'd disagree

In short, leaving it may result in it getting a lot more serious, including the potentially fatal blood poisoning and brain infections mentioned. I didn't say he was going to die either now or later (well, he will eventually) - just that it is potentially a serious, even fatal, problem and faffing around can make a relatively minor problem a lot more serious!
As I also said, it may just be a minor infection - but counting on that is plain stupid!

If someone posted with the symptoms of menigo-encephalitis (sp?) you'd certainly advise them to see a hospital immediately as the bacterial form can kill in 24 hours, from first symptoms, if not treated, and can result in brain damage (cue smartass remarks ;-)) - fortunately the version I had was 'only' the viral form and resulted in just under 3 weeks in the intensive care ward (definitely the cutest nurses, IMO) and another month off work. If the GF hadn't made me see the doctor, it probably would have resulted in more time off and potentially more damage than just some balance and co-ordination issues.

So, you may consider it an over-reaction, I consider it being careful. My friend's blood poisoning would have been avoided if he'd seeked earlier treatment and I'd've been a lot sicker if I hadn't.