Coughs
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have a productive cough?
See significance of a productive cough if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Note: If you need information on how to take a temperature, see the topic Body Temperature.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have a fever of 104°F (40°C) or higher?
Yes Do you think that you have a high fever, but you are unable to measure your temperature?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have fever of 101°F (38°C) to 104°F (40°C)?
Yes Do you think you have a moderate fever, but you are unable to measure your temperature?
Yes Do you have mild shortness of breath?
Yes Are you older than 60, and you have had an ongoing fever after 24 hours of home treatment?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Have you had a fever less than 101°F (38°C) and coughed up sputum more than 12 times in 24 hours?
Yes Have you coughed up sputum more than 12 times a day for longer than 48 hours, but you do not have a fever?
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Have you had a productive cough for longer than 2 weeks without other respiratory symptoms?
Yes Do you have a chronic cough that has been evaluated by a doctor and is not following the expected course?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| 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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