I guess I was raised to fear the label of malingerer more than that of recently deceased. Over the span of a few days the following symptoms have been intermittent but persistent: distention and full feeling of upper abdomen, burning in chest (heartburn), mild pain in left jaw, neck, shoulder and arm. Some swelling of face and hands, shortness of breath. Was recently treated for pneumonia but cough and congestion still a problem. I am just wondering at what point does this become emergency? I am a 44 year old female.