Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease: 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
Call emergency services if you have:
Severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, especially at rest
Fainting or difficulty waking
Blue or grey lips, face, or tongue
New severe chest pain
Confusion or extreme weakness
Coughing up more than a small streak of blood
Breathlessness with frothy sputum, which may indicate pulmonary oedema
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 urgent same-day advice from your specialist team for a clear increase in breathlessness, new swelling, rapid weight gain, lower oxygen readings than usual, or new symptoms after starting or increasing a pulmonary hypertension medicine.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up remains important when symptoms are stable.
Bring changes in exercise ability, dizziness, oxygen use, swelling, side effects, and missed doses to planned appointments rather than waiting for symptoms to become severe.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.