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 for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, or a large amount of coughed-up blood.
These are emergency signs rather than routine features of stable PCD.
And for anyone, someone who:
has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
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 you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt medical advice if you have:
A clear increase in cough or mucus
Mucus that changes color, thickness, or amount
Fever, chest pain, or worsening breathlessness
Coughing up blood, even if the amount is small
Symptoms that are not improving with an agreed treatment plan
A positive pregnancy test with one-sided pelvic pain or bleeding
And for anyone, someone who:
has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine follow-up with the PCD team for ongoing cough, sinus symptoms, hearing concerns, treatment review, fertility questions, or changes in exercise ability.
And for anyone, someone who:
has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Primary ciliary dyskinesia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.