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Warning-sign checks

Emphysema: 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

    Call emergency services for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, especially if you cannot speak in full sentences.

    Blue or grey lips, confusion, unusual drowsiness, fainting, or severe chest pain also need emergency care.

    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice if you have a clear change from your normal symptoms, such as:

    • More breathlessness than usual
    • Increased coughing or mucus
    • Mucus that changes colour or becomes thicker
    • Fever or other signs of infection
    • Usual reliever medicine working less well
    • Oxygen readings below the range in your personal care plan

    Coughing up more than a small streak of blood also requires urgent assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up if your usual breathlessness is gradually increasing, you are less active than before, or coughing is disrupting sleep.

    Also mention unintended weight loss, ankle swelling, repeated infections, low mood, or difficulty using your inhaler.

The article also says

Sudden sharp chest pain with sudden breathlessness may indicate a collapsed lung.

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