Respiratory Problems, Age 11 And Younger: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Is your child taking an antibiotic for an infection and his or her symptoms have not improved or new symptoms have developed?

See significance of symptoms that do not improve with antibiotic treatment 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 today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Note:

If you answered Yes to any of the following questions, call your child's doctor to discuss your child's symptoms. An appointment may not be necessary.

Yes

Have your child's symptoms become worse after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment?

Yes

Have your child's symptoms not improved after 72 hours of treatment?

Yes

Has your child developed a rash while taking antibiotics?

Yes

Has your child developed severe diarrhea?

Yes

Has your child developed vomiting that limits his or her ability to take the antibiotics as ordered?

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