Respiratory Problems, Age 11 And Younger: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Is your child making a high-pitched noise when breathing (wheezing)?

See significance of wheezing if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

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

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

Yes

Does your child have new wheezing after a choking episode?

Yes

Does your child have new wheezing with moderate difficulty breathing?

Call your child's health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Does your child have wheezing, a cough, and a fever?

Yes

Is your child's wheezing becoming worse despite using treatment recommended by a doctor?

Yes

Has your baby age 3 months or younger had new wheezing for longer than 1 hour without other symptoms?

Yes

Does your child have new wheezing with mild difficulty breathing?

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

Yes

Does your child's wheezing occur without other symptoms?

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.

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