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Warning-sign checks

Pump lung: 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 for:

    • Severe or rapidly worsening difficulty breathing
    • Blue or grey lips or skin
    • New confusion, collapse, or extreme drowsiness
    • Chest pain with sweating, faintness, or breathlessness
    • Oxygen levels far below the range your care team gave you

    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

    In hospital, pump lung is treated as an urgent postoperative complication.

    Oxygen levels, breathing, heart function, and fluid balance are monitored closely.

    Tell a staff member promptly if you are awake and notice worsening breathlessness, chest tightness, or difficulty clearing mucus.

    After leaving hospital, contact your surgical or medical team promptly if you have increasing breathlessness, a new or worsening cough, reduced exercise ability, or an increasing oxygen requirement.

    Fever, new leg swelling, rapid weight gain, or trouble lying flat also needs timely assessment because infection, a blood clot, or heart-related fluid buildup may cause similar symptoms.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate when symptoms are stable or slowly improving.

    Sudden deterioration is not something to wait for at a scheduled appointment.

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