Obstructive sleep apnea - adults: 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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Get emergency help for symptoms that are not typical of uncomplicated OSA, including:
Severe difficulty breathing while awake
Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
New chest pressure or severe chest pain
Sudden facial weakness, arm weakness, or speech difficulty
Collapse, a serious crash, or inability to wake someone normally
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
Seek prompt medical advice if sleepiness is affecting driving, operating machinery, or safety at work.
Do not drive when you feel likely to doze.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if you have frequent loud snoring, witnessed breathing pauses, nighttime choking, unrefreshing sleep, morning headaches, or ongoing daytime sleepiness.
Assessment is especially important if these occur alongside high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, or another heart condition.
Stop somewhere safe and arrange another way to travel.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Obstructive sleep apnea - adults. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.