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 trouble breathing, blue or grey lips or skin, a prolonged choking episode, loss of consciousness, or inability to speak or cry because of breathlessness.
Follow any existing emergency or airway-clearance plan and tell emergency staff that the person has SMA.
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 urgent medical help if you or your child has:
New difficulty swallowing saliva or repeated choking
Breathing that is faster, shallower, or more difficult than usual
A noticeably weaker cough during a respiratory infection
Unusual sleepiness, confusion, or difficulty waking
Reduced feeding or signs of dehydration during illness
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine medical review if you notice new or gradually worsening weakness, increased fatigue, changes in walking or posture, weight loss, repeated coughing during meals, morning headaches, disturbed sleep, or more difficulty clearing mucus.
These changes may mean that treatment, equipment, nutrition, or breathing support needs review.
The article also says
A respiratory illness can become more serious when coughing muscles are weak.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Spinal muscular atrophy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.