Warning-sign checks
Empyema: 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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911Call emergency services for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, new confusion, fainting, extreme drowsiness or signs of collapse.
These may indicate dangerously low oxygen, sepsis or another serious complication.
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 todaySeek urgent medical assessment the same day if you have pneumonia or a recent chest infection and:
- Your fever returns or does not settle
- Your breathing or chest pain is getting worse
- You are becoming weaker rather than recovering
- You cannot keep fluids down or are passing much less urine
- You develop new symptoms after chest surgery or injury
During recovery, contact your care team promptly for a new fever, increasing breathlessness, worsening wound pain, redness, swelling or discharge.
A chest drain that moves, disconnects or stops working also requires immediate professional advice.
Persistent tiredness or mild discomfort can be discussed at routine follow-up if it is gradually improving and there are no urgent symptoms.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Empyema. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.