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
Seek emergency help for:
Severe breathlessness at rest or difficulty speaking
Blue or grey lips, skin, or fingertips
New confusion, extreme drowsiness, or fainting
Sudden chest pain, especially with abrupt breathlessness
Coughing up more than a small streak of blood
Do not drive yourself for emergency care if you are severely short of breath or confused.
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
Contact your usual healthcare service promptly if your breathing becomes worse than normal, your mucus increases or changes colour, you develop a fever, or your usual treatment is not helping.
These may indicate a flare-up or infection.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if you have persistent breathlessness, cough, wheezing, or reduced exercise tolerance.
Assessment is also reasonable if emphysema, early-onset COPD, AAT deficiency, or unexplained liver problems occur in your biological family.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Familial emphysema. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.