Breathing difficulty - lying down: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services if breathing is severe, rapidly worsening, or continues after you sit upright.

   Emergency signs include:

   • Difficulty speaking in full sentences because of breathlessness
   • Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
   • Chest pressure or pain, especially with sweating or nausea
   • Fainting, severe confusion, or marked drowsiness
   • Coughing up pink, frothy fluid
   • Sudden breathlessness with coughing blood or one swollen, painful leg

   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 new or worsening breathlessness with leg swelling, rapid weight gain, fever, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or a major drop in your usual activity level.

   If you have a heart or lung condition, follow its urgent-care plan.

   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

   Arrange a routine appointment if the symptom keeps returning, requires more pillows than before, wakes you from sleep, or affects normal activity.

   Mention loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, or daytime sleepiness.

   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 - lying down. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.