Chest Pain
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have pain in your chest and a fever?
See significance of pain in your chest and a fever if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Note:
- If you have symptoms of a respiratory illness, such as a runny nose, cough, or sore throat, see the topic Respiratory Problems, Age 12 and Older or Respiratory Problems, Age 11 and Younger.
- If you need information on how to take a temperature, see the topic Body Temperature.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have moderate to severe pain in your chest and a fever?
Yes Do you have a fever of 104°F (40°C) or higher that persists after 2 hours of home treatment?
Yes Do you think that you have a high fever but you are unable to measure your temperature?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have a fever of 101°F (38°C) to 104°F (40°C) that persists after 4 hours of home treatment?
Yes Do you think that you have a moderate fever but you are unable to measure your temperature?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Have you had a fever of 100°F (37.5°C) to 101°F (38°C) with mild chest pain for 3 full days?
Yes Do you think that you have had a mild fever for 3 full days but you have been unable to measure your temperature?
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.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: April 27, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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