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 breathing becomes severely difficult, you are choking, you cannot swallow saliva, or your lips or skin become blue or grey.
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
Request prompt medical assessment if you develop:
New difficulty swallowing or repeated coughing during meals
A persistent voice change
Increasing shortness of breath or noisy breathing
New numbness, weakness, falls, or problems with balance
A lump that becomes hard, painful, one-sided, or rapidly larger
These signs can indicate serious airway obstruction and should not wait for a routine appointment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if you notice matching fatty swellings around your neck, shoulders, arms, or upper body.
A planned review is also appropriate if known deposits are gradually enlarging, limiting movement, affecting sleep, or causing distress.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Multiple symmetric lipomatosis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.