Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, fainting, confusion, or chest pain that is severe or does not settle.
Coughing up more than small streaks of blood also needs emergency assessment.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
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 has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek same-day medical care if new clubbing occurs with:
Worsening shortness of breath
Persistent fever or night sweats
Coughing up blood
A new or persistent cough
Unexplained weight loss
Painful, swollen joints or tender lower arms or legs
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if you notice new or gradually increasing clubbing, even if it is painless.
You should also arrange an assessment if clubbing is present in only one finger, hand, foot, or side of the body.
The article also says
Clubbing alone, without sudden or severe symptoms, is not usually an emergency.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Clubbing of the fingers or toes. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.