CHEST PAIN

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR CHEST PAIN

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance)

Severe difficulty breathing (struggling for each breath, grunting to push air out, unable to speak or cry or lips are bluish).
Not moving or too weak to stand

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

Your child looks or acts very sick.
Your child has heart disease.
Difficulty breathing, but not severe.
Can't take a deep breath.
Severe chest pain.
Heart beating very rapidly or has fainted.
Followed a direct blow to the chest.
Unexplained chest pain present longer than 1 hour (EXCEPTION: pain due to coughing, sore muscles or other obvious cause).

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

You think your child needs an office visit.
Fever is present.

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

Chest pains only occur with vigorous exercise (eg, running)
Sore muscles last for more than 7 days.
Chest pains are a recurrent problem.

Parent Care at Home If

Normal chest pain from sore muscles and you don't think your child needs 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.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

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