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
A suspected tracheal rupture is an emergency.
Call emergency services if you develop any of the following after a neck or chest injury, intubation, tracheostomy, bronchoscopy, or operation:
New or rapidly worsening difficulty breathing
Fast-growing swelling of the neck, face, or chest
Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
Severe chest or neck pain
Coughing up more than a small streak of blood
Harsh or high-pitched breathing sounds
Fainting, confusion, or extreme drowsiness
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 recovering from a diagnosed rupture, seek prompt medical advice for fever, increasing cough, foul or discoloured mucus, worsening swallowing pain, new wheezing, or increasing swelling.
These symptoms may indicate infection, continued air leakage, or airway narrowing.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Keep routine follow-up appointments even when recovery appears to be going well.
They are used to confirm healing, monitor any stent or repair, and look for later scar narrowing.
The article also says
Do not drive yourself if breathing is difficult or symptoms are progressing.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Tracheal rupture. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.