Obesity hypoventilation syndrome: when to get help
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 if you have:
Severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness
Blue or grey lips, tongue or skin
New confusion, unusual behaviour or extreme drowsiness
Difficulty waking or staying awake
Chest pain, collapse or loss of consciousness
These symptoms can indicate respiratory failure or another medical emergency.
Do not drive yourself for emergency care.
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 your treatment service promptly if your usual positive airway pressure no longer controls symptoms, you are becoming sleepier, or you repeatedly wake with headaches.
These changes may mean that ventilation, mask fit or another health condition needs reassessment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if you have ongoing daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, witnessed breathing pauses, morning headaches or breathlessness that is not explained.
Swelling in your legs or difficulty using prescribed breathing equipment also needs review.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Obesity hypoventilation syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.