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
These concerns may not be emergencies, but they should not be ignored.
Get emergency help for:
Severe difficulty breathing or struggling for each breath
Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
A prolonged pause in breathing or inability to wake normally
Sudden severe eye pain, vomiting, or rapid loss of vision
Choking with inability to breathe, cry, or cough
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 medical assessment if a baby or child repeatedly chokes during feeds, cannot take enough fluid, has signs of dehydration, or develops persistent coughing or breathing problems after eating.
A respiratory infection also needs prompt assessment if breathing becomes much harder than usual, especially in an infant or someone with a known narrow airway.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical review for new or worsening snoring, daytime sleepiness, feeding difficulty, poor weight gain, dental pain, vision changes, or concerns about hearing, speech, or development.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Francois dyscephaly syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.