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Warning-sign checks

Pneumonia: 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 or someone else has:

    • Severe difficulty breathing or cannot speak normally because of breathlessness
    • Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips, tongue, or skin
    • New severe confusion, collapse, or difficulty waking
    • Severe or rapidly worsening chest pain
    • Pauses in breathing, grunting, or marked chest pulling in a child

    These signs may mean that oxygen levels or circulation are dangerously affected.

    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice if you develop possible pneumonia symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, chest pain when breathing, persistent fever, or a worsening cough.

    Earlier assessment is especially important for babies, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with a weakened immune system or significant heart or lung condition.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate for a cough or tiredness that is slowly improving but lasting longer than expected.

    Arrange an earlier review if symptoms worsen, fever returns, you cannot keep fluids down, or prescribed treatment is not helping as expected.

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