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
Call emergency services if you:
Are struggling to breathe or cannot speak in full sentences
Have blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
Become confused, very drowsy, or collapse
Have severe chest pain, especially with sweating or nausea
Cough up more than a small amount of blood
Develop sudden breathlessness with fainting or one-sided leg swelling
Do not drive yourself during a severe breathing emergency.
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact your care team promptly if you have a diagnosed lung condition and your symptoms are worsening, your usual treatment is less effective, or you develop fever, increased mucus, or a change in mucus colour.
Follow any personal action plan you have been given.
Seek urgent medical help for coughing up blood, new chest pain, sudden unexplained breathlessness, or a marked fall in your usual oxygen reading.
Small streaks of blood still need prompt assessment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if you have a cough lasting several weeks, ongoing wheezing, repeated chest infections, breathlessness that limits usual activity, or symptoms that are gradually worsening.
Also seek assessment for unexplained weight loss, persistent hoarseness, or a lasting change in your usual cough.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Lung disease. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.