COUGH

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR COUGH

Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If

  • Passed out
  • Severe difficulty breathing (e.g. struggling for each breath, unable to speak)
  • Lips or face are bluish now
  • Wheezing started suddenly after medicine, an allergic food or bee sting
  • Difficulty breathing after exposure to flames, smoke, or fumes

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

  • You feel weak or very sick
  • Chest pain (EXCEPTION: mild chest pain lasting only a few seconds that occurs only when coughing)
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Wheezing is present
  • Coughing started suddenly after bee sting
  • Coughing up blood and more than a few streaks
  • Fever of 103 F (39.4 C) or higher
  • Fever of 100.5 F (38.1 C) or higher and you  
    • Are over 60 years of age:
    • Have diabetes mellitus or a weakened immune system (e.g. HIV positive, cancer chemotherapy, chronic steroid treatment, splenectomy)
    • Are bedridden (e.g. nursing home patient, stroke, chronic illness, recovering from surgery)
  • Increasing ankle swelling

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

  • You think you need to be seen
  • Sinus pain or pressure (around cheekbone or eyes)
  • Fever present for more than 3 days
  • Earache is present

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

  • You have other questions or concerns
  • Coughing up blood
  • Coughing has kept you home from school or work for 3 or more days.
  • Nasal discharge lasts more than 10 days  
  • Fever returns after being gone for more than 24 hours
  • Symptoms of nasal allergy are also present  (e.g. itchy eyes, clear nasal discharge, postnasal drip)
  • Taking an ACE Inhibitor medication (Including: benazepril/LOTENSIN, captopril/CAPOTEN, enalapril/VASOTEC, lisinopril/ZESTRIL)
  • Exposure to TB (Tuberculosis)
  • Cough lasts more than three weeks

Self Care at Home If

  • Cough with no complications and you don't think you need to be seen

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2003

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