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Warning-sign checks

Primary alveolar hypoventilation: 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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, collapse, a seizure, loss of consciousness, or failure of essential ventilator equipment when there is no effective backup.

    Use the emergency plan provided by your specialist service while help is coming.

    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical assessment if you become unusually drowsy, confused, hard to wake, or noticeably more short of breath.

    A respiratory infection accompanied by worsening sleepiness or ventilator problems also needs prompt attention.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up if you develop more morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, poor concentration, breathlessness, or reduced exercise tolerance.

    Also seek advice if a mask leaks, the ventilator feels uncomfortable, alarms recur, or you are no longer able to use the equipment for the planned amount of time.

    Contact your specialist team before planned surgery or sedation.

    The anaesthesia team needs to know about the condition and any ventilatory support you use.

    Ask for advice before taking a new opioid, sleeping medicine, or other sedating drug.

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