Respiratory Problems, Age 12 And Older: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have new chest pain without other symptoms of a heart attack?

See significance of new chest pain if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have severe chest pain with each breath?

Yes

Are you coughing up blood?

Yes

Do you have pain deep in your leg or calf?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you have mild to moderate chest pain that seems to be getting worse?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had pain in the muscles or ribs of the chest (chest wall pain) for 24 hours or longer?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

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Last updated:	March 06, 2006
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer