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 severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, inability to stay awake, sudden chest pain, fainting, or choking that blocks breathing.
Sudden severe weakness can also require emergency assessment.
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 the usual clinical team promptly for:
New or worsening breathlessness, especially when lying down
Morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, or a noticeably weaker cough
Repeated choking, coughing during meals, or unexplained weight loss
New palpitations, swelling, or a clear decline in mobility
Fever and chest symptoms when coughing is weak
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical assessment if you or your child has gradually increasing muscle weakness, frequent unexplained falls, delayed movement milestones, difficulty climbing stairs, or a family history of muscular dystrophy.
These symptoms can have many causes and need proper assessment.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Muscular dystrophy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.