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 for severe breathing difficulty, unresponsiveness, a seizure, chest pain, or other immediately life-threatening symptoms.
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
Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you have persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, increasing weakness, new swelling, repeated falls, or signs of a vitamin deficiency such as numbness or balance problems.
Seek urgent medical care if you:
Cannot keep fluids down
Pass very little urine or have other signs of severe dehydration
Become confused, unusually drowsy, or faint
Have severe weakness or cannot stand safely
Cough, choke, or struggle to breathe while eating or drinking
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if you have lost weight without trying, your appetite has remained poor, or you are finding it difficult to shop, cook, chew, or swallow.
You should also seek assessment if your clothes are becoming loose, your strength is declining, or a child is not growing as expected.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Malnutrition. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.