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
Call emergency services if you are struggling to breathe, cannot swallow saliva, are choking, become blue or grey around the lips, or develop severe chest pain.
These are emergency symptoms regardless of whether polymyositis is the cause.
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 healthcare team promptly if established symptoms worsen, you fall repeatedly, treatment side effects are troubling you, or swallowing becomes more difficult.
A new cough, breathlessness, or fever also needs timely advice, particularly if you take immune-suppressing medicine.
Seek urgent medical assessment if you:
Cough or choke repeatedly when eating or drinking
Develop rapidly worsening weakness
Cannot eat or drink enough because swallowing is difficult
Have new shortness of breath or a persistent dry cough
Develop signs of infection while taking immune-suppressing treatment
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if you develop gradually worsening difficulty climbing stairs, rising from a chair, lifting your arms, or completing usual activities.
These symptoms have many possible causes and need proper assessment rather than self-diagnosis.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Polymyositis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.