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Warning-sign checks

Drug-induced pulmonary disease: when to get help

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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency help now if you have:

    • Severe or rapidly worsening trouble breathing
    • Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
    • Confusion, fainting, or extreme drowsiness
    • Chest pain with breathlessness
    • Coughing up more than a small streak of blood
    • A very low oxygen reading, if you have been told how to monitor it

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    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
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange a prompt medical assessment if you develop a new persistent cough, fever, wheezing, or unexplained shortness of breath while taking a medicine known to affect the lungs.

    Contact the prescribing team sooner if symptoms are worsening or limiting normal activity.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed

The article also says

Do not drive yourself if you are severely breathless, faint, or confused.

Bring an up-to-date medicine list or the medicine containers if this can be done safely.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Drug-induced pulmonary disease. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.