Respiratory Problems, Age 12 And Older: Check Your Symptoms

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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 symptoms.

If you have 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.
Breathing at a fast rate and feeling anxious: Go to the topic Hyperventilation.
Smoke or chemical fume inhalation: Go to the topic Burns.

Note:

If you have a history of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or another chronic breathing problem and your doctor has given you a plan for handling your respiratory problem, seek medical care according to your plan.

Yes: Do you have new chest pain without other symptoms of a heart attack?
Yes: Do you think your symptoms may be caused by a medicine?
Yes: Are you wheezing?
Yes: Do you have respiratory symptoms and a fever?
Yes: Do you have respiratory symptoms and a headache or body aches but you do not have a fever?
Yes: Are you taking an antibiotic for an infection and your symptoms have not improved or new symptoms have developed?
Yes: Do you have mild difficulty breathing?
Yes: Do you have a runny nose?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

Ear pain or discomfort: Go to the topic Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older.
A cough: Go to the topic Coughs.
A runny nose: Go to the topic Facial Problems, Noninjury.
Sore throat: Go to the topic Sore Throat.
Nosebleed: Go to the topic Nosebleeds.
Hay fever symptoms: Go to the topic Allergic Reaction or Allergic Rhinitis.
Itchy, red, draining, or swollen eyes: Go to the topic Eye Problems, Noninjury or Pinkeye.
Sleep problems: Go to the topic Sleep Problems, Age 12 and Older.

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:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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