Breath sounds: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services if noisy or changed breathing occurs with:

   • Severe trouble breathing or an inability to speak normally
   • Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
   • Sudden stridor, choking, or suspected airway blockage
   • Swelling of the tongue or face, especially after food, medicine, or a sting
   • Fainting, confusion, or marked drowsiness
   • Severe chest pain or rapidly worsening breathlessness

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   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 you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek same-day medical advice for a new breath sound with shortness of breath, fever, pain when breathing, or worsening cough.

   Coughing up blood also needs prompt assessment.

   For a baby or young child, get urgent help if breathing is fast or laboured, the skin pulls in between the ribs, feeding becomes difficult, or the child is unusually sleepy.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Book a routine appointment if the sound keeps returning, continues after other cold symptoms improve, wakes you at night, or limits exercise.

   You should also arrange follow-up if a clinician has noticed reduced or unusual sounds and recommended reassessment.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is more tired or breathless than usual doing things they used to manage
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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