COUGHING( ADULTS) 107
Do you have either of the following?
Pain on breathing
Shortness of breath
Neither
ACTION
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW You may have pneumonia.
• Take acetaminophen to help reduce your fever and pain.
Have you coughed up sputum?
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES You may have acute bronchitis.
• Take acetaminophen to reduce your fever and chest pain.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• If you smoke, stop.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if your symptoms worsen or if you are no better within 2 days.
Have you inhaled any of these in the last few hours?
Particle of food
Tobacco smoke
Dust, fumes, or smoke from a fire
None of the above
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES Smoke can irritate the lungs.
• Move into a wellventilated area.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR You may have chronic lung damage from smoking or possibly lung cancer.
• Stop smoking.
Sputum
No sputum
ACTION
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW Inflammation of the airways can result from breathing in any of these substances.
Do you have either of the following?
Runny nose
Sore throat
Neither
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR Asthma or possibly heart failure may be the cause of your symptoms.
• If you smoke, stop.
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES You may have a viral illness such as a severe cold or flu.
• Follow the advice for bringing down a fever( p. 164).
• Try inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water( p. 165) to relieve your symptoms.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR if you are no better in 2 days or if other symptoms develop.
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES You probably have a viral infection, such as a cold.
• Try inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water( p. 165) to relieve your symptoms.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR if you are no better in 2 days or if other symptoms develop.