Lung surgery: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Seek emergency help for severe or sudden difficulty breathing, chest pain with sweating or faintness, coughing up more than a small streak of blood, fainting, confusion, blue or grey lips, or uncontrolled bleeding.

   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Contact your surgical team promptly for a fever, worsening redness or drainage from a wound, increasing breathlessness, pain that is not controlled, repeated vomiting, or new swelling in one leg.

   Also call if a chest-tube site continues leaking fluid or air after discharge.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine questions about pathology, activity, wound care, or returning to work can usually wait for normal clinic hours or your scheduled follow-up.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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