Cough: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services if you are struggling to breathe, cannot speak because of breathlessness, have blue or grey lips, become confused, have severe chest pain, or began coughing after choking.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • 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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek same-day medical care if you:

   • Cough up blood, even a small amount
   • Have new chest pain or breathing difficulty
   • Feel very unwell or are worsening quickly
   • Cannot keep fluids down or have signs of dehydration
   • Have a weakened immune system and develop a new cough
   • Have coughing attacks that interfere with breathing
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Book a routine appointment if the cough lasts longer than three weeks, keeps returning, disrupts sleep, or affects daily activities.

   Arrange earlier follow-up for ongoing wheezing, fever, weight loss, night sweats, or worsening symptoms.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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