Respiratory Problems, Age 12 and Older
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Are you wheezing?
See significance of wheezing 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 a chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), compare your symptoms to what is normal for you. Your need for a doctor visit will depend on what is normal for you and what you have discussed with your doctor.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have a medical condition that causes wheezing and your moderate wheezing is not responding to prescribed medicine or treatment?
Yes Do you have new or increasing wheezing that is limiting your activity?
Yes Do you feel short of breath, even at rest, but you can still speak in short sentences?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have new or increasing wheezing but you are still able to complete your normal activities?
Yes Do you have mild wheezing, even at rest, but you do not feel short of breath and can still speak in complete sentences?
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 new shortness of breath after any amount of exertion during the past 24 hours but you are able to breathe normally when you are resting?
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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