Breathing difficulty: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services if breathing difficulty is severe, starts suddenly, or prevents you from speaking in full sentences.

   Do the same if it occurs with:

   • Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
   • Chest pressure or pain, especially if it spreads to an arm, back, neck, or jaw
   • Fainting, marked confusion, or extreme drowsiness
   • Swelling of the lips or tongue, hives, or trouble swallowing
   • Coughing up more than small streaks of blood

   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 care for new breathlessness at rest, a clear worsening of an existing breathing problem, or breathlessness with fever, wheezing, or chest discomfort.

   Sudden breathlessness with one swollen or painful leg also needs urgent assessment, particularly after surgery, prolonged immobility, pregnancy, or recent childbirth.

   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 breathlessness keeps returning, lasts longer than expected after an infection, wakes you at night, or limits usual activities.

   Swollen ankles, an ongoing cough, unexplained tiredness, or needing extra pillows to breathe comfortably also require review.

   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 Breathing difficulty. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.