Percussion: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for severe trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, fainting, new severe chest pain, vomiting blood, black stools with weakness, or sudden severe abdominal pain.

   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Percussion itself rarely causes urgent problems.

   However, the symptoms that led to your examination may need prompt attention.

   Seek urgent medical advice for worsening shortness of breath, increasing abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, fever with worsening illness, or new blood in your urine.

   Do not wait for a routine follow-up appointment.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine follow-up is appropriate if you have questions about what was found, are waiting for another test, or your original symptoms continue or return.

   Contact your healthcare team if tapping caused unexpected pain, swelling, or bruising that does not settle.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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