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:
Sudden or severe difficulty breathing
Chest pain, fainting, severe confusion, or a seizure
Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
New weakness on one side, facial drooping, or trouble speaking
Suspected overdose or poisoning, including too much aspirin
Rapid breathing with severe illness, extreme drowsiness, or inability to stay awake
These symptoms may reflect the cause of the breathing change rather than respiratory alkalosis itself.
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
Arrange prompt medical assessment for a first unexplained episode of persistent rapid or deep breathing, especially with fever, cough, wheezing, a fast heartbeat, or reduced exercise tolerance.
New symptoms after surgery, a long period of immobility, or a long journey also need prompt assessment because these can be risk factors for a blood clot.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate if respiratory alkalosis was found during testing and you are otherwise stable.
Follow-up may include reviewing medicines, checking whether symptoms have returned, and repeating blood or breathing tests when needed.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Respiratory alkalosis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.