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 now if wheezing occurs with:
Severe difficulty breathing or rapidly worsening symptoms
Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
Inability to speak normally because of breathlessness
Confusion, collapse, extreme drowsiness, or poor responsiveness
Swelling of the tongue or throat, especially with hives or faintness
Sudden choking or suspected inhalation of an object
Use prescribed emergency allergy medicine if you have been told to do so, then call emergency services.
If you have a prescribed asthma action plan, follow its emergency instructions.
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek same-day medical care for new wheezing with shortness of breath, wheezing that is getting worse, or symptoms that do not improve after using a prescribed reliever inhaler like albuterol or ipratropium as directed.
A baby who is wheezing should be assessed promptly, particularly if feeding is difficult or breathing looks laboured.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if wheezing keeps returning, wakes you at night, follows exercise, or lasts for several days.
Arrange follow-up if you need a reliever inhaler like albuterol or ipratropium more often than usual or wheezing limits work, school, sleep, or physical activity.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Wheezing. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.