Respiratory Problems, Age 12 And Older: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Are you taking an antibiotic for an infection and your 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 symptoms.

Call your 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 doctor to discuss your symptoms. An appointment may not be necessary.

Yes

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

Yes

Have your symptoms not improved after 72 hours of treatment?

Yes

Have you developed a rash while taking antibiotics?

Yes

Have you developed severe diarrhea?

Yes

Have you developed vomiting that limits your ability to take your medicine 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:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer