sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Interstitial lung 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

    Call emergency services for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, crushing chest pain, or an inability to speak in full sentences.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • 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

    If you already have ILD, contact your healthcare team promptly if your symptoms are worsening faster than usual, your oxygen readings are repeatedly below the range in your care plan, or treatment side effects are difficult to manage.

    Seek urgent same-day medical care for new or rapidly increasing breathlessness, fever with worsening respiratory symptoms, coughing up blood, new leg swelling, or chest discomfort.

    Sudden major worsening should not wait for a routine ILD appointment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you develop a persistent dry cough, gradually worsening breathlessness, or a steady drop in how far you can walk.

    These symptoms have many possible causes, but they deserve assessment.

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