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
Seek emergency help for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, or a large amount of coughed-up blood.
Sudden sharp chest pain with shortness of breath can indicate a collapsed lung and also needs emergency assessment.
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 advice for:
Fever or a new productive cough, especially while taking immune-suppressing medicine
Unexplained weight loss or night sweats
Blood-streaked mucus
Noticeably worsening breathlessness
New chest pain that is not severe
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine follow-up if your cough or exercise tolerance gradually changes, joint symptoms are less controlled, or you have questions about workplace exposure.
New but mild symptoms still deserve assessment if they continue.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Rheumatoid pneumoconiosis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.