Breathing problems: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services now if you have:

   • Severe or rapidly worsening difficulty breathing
   • Trouble speaking more than a few words
   • Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
   • Chest pressure, fainting, confusion, or marked drowsiness
   • Sudden breathlessness with coughing up blood
   • Swelling of the lips or tongue, hives, or throat tightness
   • Breathlessness after choking or a serious injury

   Move into fresh air and call emergency services if several people in the same building develop headache, dizziness, nausea, or breathlessness.

   This may suggest carbon monoxide exposure.

   Do not re-enter the building until it has been declared safe.

   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 breathlessness at rest, a clear worsening of an existing breathing problem, or symptoms that are not responding to your prescribed treatment.

   Fever with increasing breathlessness also needs prompt assessment.

   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 illness, wakes you at night, or limits walking and other usual activities.

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