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
Seek emergency help for:
Severe or rapidly worsening difficulty breathing
A large amount of coughed-up blood or bleeding that continues
Blue or grey lips, fainting, or new confusion
Severe chest pain with breathlessness or collapse
Do not drive yourself for emergency assessment if you are severely breathless, faint, or coughing up a large amount of blood.
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
If you are receiving treatment, contact the treating service promptly if symptoms worsen, fever returns, you cannot take the antibiotic, or you develop troublesome side effects.
New swelling or drainage from the chest wall also needs prompt assessment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if you have a cough lasting several weeks, repeated fever, unexplained weight loss, ongoing chest discomfort, or blood-streaked mucus.
These symptoms have many possible causes, but they should not be ignored.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Pulmonary actinomycosis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.