Some Reasons to Call a Doctor*
Problem | Reasons to Call |
|---|---|
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 nausea or vomiting Persistent or severe abdominal pain Change in bowel habits Blood in the stools or black stool | |
General problems | Symptoms that prevent participation in usual activities, particularly new or worsened shortness of breath with exertion Unexplained weight loss Dizziness or an about-to-faint feeling Persistent fatigue, particularly if new Sweating not related to exercise, 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 an arm or leg or the face Nausea or vomiting with a new headache | |
Heart problems | Rapid or irregular heartbeats (palpitations) |
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. | |