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Warning-sign checks

Occupational asthma: 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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if you have severe difficulty breathing, cannot speak in full sentences, become confused or unusually drowsy, or notice blue or grey lips or skin.

    Emergency help is also needed if your reliever inhaler like albuterol or ipratropium is not helping or breathing continues to worsen despite following your asthma action plan.

    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
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek a prompt review if symptoms are becoming more frequent, waking you at night, limiting activity or not responding as they normally do.

    New symptoms after a chemical spill, fire or heavy fume exposure also need prompt assessment, even if you initially feel better.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if you develop repeated wheezing, cough, chest tightness or shortness of breath, especially if symptoms are worse during or after work.

    Mention any improvement on weekends or holidays and any exposure to dusts, fumes, sprays, animals or chemicals.

The article also says

Move away from an active spill, smoke cloud or chemical release if you can do so safely.

Do not re-enter a hazardous area to help others without appropriate training and protective equipment.

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