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 or someone else has:
Severe or rapidly worsening trouble breathing
New confusion, collapse, or unusual behaviour
Extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking
Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
A seizure
Slow or shallow breathing after possible opioid or sedative use
If opioid overdose may be involved, use naloxone if it is available and you have been shown how, then call emergency services.
Its effects may wear off before the opioid does.
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
Seek prompt medical assessment for new or worsening breathlessness, morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, or difficulty using prescribed breathing support.
These symptoms are not always caused by respiratory acidosis, but they may need testing.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate when symptoms are stable and you are attending planned reviews for a chronic lung, sleep, nerve, or muscle condition.
Contact the service overseeing home ventilation if equipment becomes uncomfortable, leaks, alarms repeatedly, or no longer seems effective.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Respiratory acidosis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.