Some Reasons to Call a Doctor*
Some Reasons to Call a Doctor*
Problem | Reasons to Call |
|---|---|
Cold Common Cold The common cold is a viral infection of the lining of the nose, sinuses, and throat. Many different viruses cause colds. Usually, colds are spread when a person's hands come in contact with... read more or influenza Influenza (Flu) Influenza (flu) is a viral infection of the lungs and airways with one of the influenza viruses. It causes a fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, headache, muscle aches (myalgias), and a general... read more | Vomiting or inability to keep fluids down Painful swallowing Coughing that lasts more than 2 or 3 weeks or coughing up blood Earache Difficulty breathing Symptoms that last more than 7 days |
Black or bloody stools More than 6 to 8 watery stools per day in children Symptoms that last more than 7 days Symptoms of dehydration (such as very dry mouth and armpits, confusion, and decreased urination), particularly in children and older people Abdominal pain or fever > 100.4° (38° C) | |
A feeling that food is stuck in the throat Development of or change in heartburn, particularly during exercise Frequent heartburn, belching, or regurgitation Persistent or severe abdominal pain Persistent nausea | |
General problems | Symptoms that prevent participation in usual activities, particularly new or worsened shortness of breath Shortness of Breath Shortness of breath—what doctors call dyspnea—is the unpleasant sensation of having difficulty breathing. People experience and describe shortness of breath differently depending on the cause... read more Unexplained weight loss Dizziness or an about-to-faint feeling Persistent fatigue Sweating, especially heavy or cold sweats |
Severe headache that peaks in intensity within seconds Memory loss or confusion Blurred or double vision Slurred speech Loss of balance or dizziness Seizures Numbness or weakness in the arms, legs, or face Nausea or vomiting with a new headache | |
Heart problems | |
Leg problems | Pain in the calves that worsens when walking Swelling in the ankles or legs, particularly new swelling of one foot or leg |
No periods by age 16 Sudden stopping of periods A period that lasts much longer than usual or is excessively heavy A sudden feeling of illness while using tampons Severe or disabling cramps | |
Rash | Fever of 100.4° F (38° C) or above A rash that is painful, involves swelling, or oozes |
Swelling or redness in or around an eye Problems with vision | |
Moderate or severe abdominal pain Symptoms of dehydration, particularly in children and older people Green, black, or bloody vomit | |
* The list of problems and the reasons to call a doctor are only a small sample. | |
