Respiratory Problems, Age 11 And Younger: Check Your Symptoms

Respiratory Problems, Age 11 And Younger
Topic Overview
Emergencies
Check Your Symptoms
Home Treatment
Prevention
Preparing For Your Appointment
Related Information
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Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

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

If your child has any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

Suspected allergic reaction (other than from a bite or sting): Go to the topic Allergic Reaction.
Swallowed or inhaled an object: Go to the topic Swallowed Objects.
Bite or sting: Go to the most closely related topic:
A respiratory problem after surgery: Go to the topic Postoperative Problems.
Smoke or chemical fume inhalation: Go to the topic Burns.

Note:

If your child has been diagnosed with a respiratory disease, such as asthma or cystic fibrosis, and your child's doctor has given you a plan for handling your child's respiratory problems, seek medical care according to the plan.

Yes: Does your child have a cough?
Yes: Does your child have any signs of mild difficulty breathing?
Yes: Does your child have a fever?
Yes: Is your child making a high-pitched noise when breathing (wheezing)?
Yes: Do you think your child's symptoms may be caused by a medicine?
Yes: Is your child taking an antibiotic for an infection and his or her symptoms have not improved or new symptoms have developed?
Yes: Does your child have a runny nose?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Does your child have any of the following symptoms?

Sore throat: Go to the topic Sore Throat.
Possible ear infection: Go to the topic Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 11 and Younger.
Facial pain: Go to the topic Facial Problems, Noninjury.
Signs of an eye infection: Go to the topic Pinkeye.
Sneezing and has watery eyes and a clear runny nose: Go to the topic Allergic Reaction or Allergic Rhinitis.
Vomiting: Go to the topic Vomiting, Age 3 and Younger or Nausea and Vomiting, Age 4 and Older.

If your child has other symptoms with his or her respiratory symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, or dehydration, evaluate those symptoms also.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Last updated:	February 25, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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