Respiratory Problems, Age 12 and Older

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Breathing stops.

  Note:

  After calling 911 or other emergency services, see the topic Dealing With Emergencies.
• Moderate to severe difficulty breathing occurs.
• Difficulty breathing and choking on an object in the windpipe occurs.

  Note:

  If choking is present, go to the topic Choking Rescue Procedure. Do not perform the Heimlich maneuver if the person is still coughing or able to speak.
• Chest discomfort or pain is crushing or squeezing or feels like a heavy weight on the chest.
• Chest discomfort or pain occurs with:
  • Sweating.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Pain that spreads from the chest to the back, neck, jaw, upper abdomen, or one or both shoulders or arms. See an illustration of chest pain.
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness.
  • A fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat.
• Rapid swelling of the throat or tongue (angioedema) occurs.

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• Suspected allergic reaction (other than from a bite or sting): Go to the topic Allergic Reaction.
• Swallowed or inhaled an object: Go to the topic Swallowed Objects.
• Bite or sting: Go to the most closely related topic:
  • Insect Bites and Stings and Spider Bites
  • Tick Bites
  • Snake and Lizard Bites
• A respiratory problem after surgery: Go to the topic Postoperative Problems.
• Breathing at a fast rate and feeling anxious: Go to the topic Hyperventilation.

Note:

If you have a history of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or another chronic breathing problem and your doctor has given you a plan for handling your respiratory problem, seek medical care according to your plan.

Yes	Do you have new chest pain without other symptoms of a heart attack?
Yes	Do you think your symptoms may be caused by a medicine?
Yes	Are you wheezing?
Yes	Do you have respiratory symptoms and a fever?
Yes	Do you have respiratory symptoms and a headache or body aches but you do not have a fever?
Yes	Are you taking an antibiotic for an infection and your symptoms have not improved or new symptoms have developed?
Yes	Do you have mild difficulty breathing?
Yes	Do you have a runny nose?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Ear pain or discomfort: Go to the topic Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older.
• A cough: Go to the topic Coughs.
• A runny nose: Go to the topic Facial Problems, Noninjury.
• Sore throat: Go to the topic Sore Throat.
• Nosebleed: Go to the topic Nosebleeds.
• Hay fever symptoms: Go to the topic Allergic Reaction or Allergic Rhinitis.
• Itchy, red, draining, or swollen eyes: Go to the topic Eye Problems, Noninjury or Pinkeye.
• Sleep problems: Go to the topic Sleep Problems, Age 12 and Older.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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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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