Respiratory Problems, Age 12 and Older
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have mild difficulty breathing?
See significance of mild difficulty breathing 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 today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Do you have new or increasing mild difficulty breathing, even at rest, but you 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?
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Do you have chronic mild breathing problems that have been stable and now are slowly getting worse?
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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