Respiratory Problems, Age 12 and Older
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have new chest pain without other symptoms of a heart attack?
See significance of new chest pain if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Note: Before you answer the questions below, rate the severity of your pain.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have severe chest pain with each breath?
Yes Are you coughing up blood?
Yes Do you have pain deep in your leg or calf?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Do you have mild to moderate chest pain that seems to be getting worse?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Have you had pain in the muscles or ribs of the chest (chest wall pain) for 24 hours or longer?
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: February 25, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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