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Live with it, or see a doc?
When should you call a doctor, and when can you tough it out?
Date published: 3/2/2008
IT'S NOT EASY to know when to call the doctor. You don't want to seem like a hypochondriac, but you also don't want that cold you've had for the last week to turn into a rampant case of pneumonia because you preferred to tough it out.
A symptom that may seem innocuous can indicate a disease or injury that will worsen without medical care. So, we've consulted area doctors and other sources to help determine which symptoms are mild, and which can't be ignored. And speaking of doctors, see Page E6 for five reasons why you should have a primary-care physician.
--Lauren Jurgensen
You should go to the doctor if
You're short of breath:
If this symptom is accompanied by intense chest pain, it could be a heart attack. Shortness of breath can also be a sign of pneumonia, allergies and asthma, said Dr. Nariman Dash, a local ear, nose and throat specialist. Another possibility is a pulmonary embolism, or blockage of the pulmonary artery, which can be fatal.
See a doctor immediately if you are struggling to breathe, especially if you also have chest pain. You'll need urgent care for a heart attack or pulmonary embolism.
You're coughing up or blowing out green phlegm:
If you have discolored mucus for more than seven days, you may have a bacterial infection such as sinusitis. Or, if you're also coughing hard and frequently, you may be suffering from bronchitis.
See your doctor if the symptoms persist for more than a week. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. But usually, green phlegm just means a common cold or virus, Dash said. For that, over-the-counter balms should suffice.
Your child is running a fever:
A fever of more than 100.4 in a baby less than 3 months old can mean the baby has an infection, or is dehydrated or overheated. Fever in older kids is usually a sign of infection. Try reducing it with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Date published: 3/2/2008
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