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 urgent or emergency help for:
Sudden or severe difficulty breathing
Fainting, especially during exercise
Severe or persistent chest pain
Blue or grey lips or skin
A rapid or irregular heartbeat with faintness or chest pain
Sudden chest pain or breathlessness after pectus surgery
These symptoms can have causes unrelated to pectus excavatum and should not be assumed to come from the chest shape.
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 advice if symptoms worsen or start affecting school, work, sleep, or usual activities.
After chest surgery, contact the surgical team about increasing pain, fever, wound redness or drainage, new clicking or movement around a bar, or breathing symptoms.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if the chest indentation is becoming deeper, particularly during a growth spurt.
Assessment is also appropriate for recurring chest discomfort, reduced exercise ability, frequent palpitations, or concerns about posture or body image.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Pectus excavatum. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.