When To Call The Doctor - Advanced Lung Disease: Respiratory Health

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

When to call the doctor

Having advanced disease is like being on a roller coaster — you'll have periods of stability when the ride is even and calm, but then there will be a sudden dip or curve. You've probably had setbacks before with acute exacerbations, but one of the challenges now is for you and your caregivers to tell the difference between the "normal" ups and downs of the disease and a change in your condition that requires medical attention.

One strategy to help you and your doctor tell the difference is for you or a caregiver to keep a daily diary of your symptoms and activities. Write down how you feel — whether you're breathing fairly easily or with difficulty, whether you're coughing, whether there's any swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet. List the medications you take each day, including the dose and the time you take them, and note any side effects. Write down what you eat and what activities you do.

The following symptoms warrant a call to your doctor:

• increasing difficulty breathing, or wheezing during activities that didn't make you wheeze before

• increased coughing or mucus production

• chest pain while coughing

• mucus that is mixed with blood, is green or yellow, or has an odor

• swollen hands, ankles, or feet

• muscle cramps or weakness

• shortness of breath that interferes with your sleep

• any new or worsening symptom that worries you.

Last updated:	May 23, 2007