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SYMPTOMS |
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DIAGNOSIS |
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SELF-CARE |
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| 1.
Does your child have a fever? |
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These symptoms may represent
BRONCHITIS, or if there is a higher fever,
PNEUMONIA, or if there is shortness of breath,
BRONCHIOLITIS. |
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Bronchiolitis and pneumonia are serious
infections that should be seen by your doctor
right away. |
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| 2.
Does your child have a sharp pain in the chest
when he or she takes a deep breath? |
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This may be from PLEURISY, an inflammation of
the lining around the lung. |
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Have this checked by your doctor. Often, aspirin
or ibuprofen will cure the problem. Do NOT give
aspirin without consulting your doctor (see
warning below). |
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| 3.
Does your child have pain in one side of the
chest with shortness of breath? |
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Rarely, air will leak from a lung to fill the
chest cavity, making it difficult to breathe.
This is called a PNEUMOTHORAX. |
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Have this checked by your doctor right away.
Treatment may require hospitalization and a tube
placed in the chest to remove the air. |
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| 4.
Does your child have shortness of breath with
chest discomfort and numb hands, or does the
breathing sound wheezy or choked? |
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HYPERVENTILATION (overbreathing) can cause
shortness of breath, numb hands and chest
pressure.
ASTHMA or EPIGLOTTITIS may cause a wheezing
or choking sound. |
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Asthma and
epiglottitis can be medical emergencies. See
your doctor right away. Hyperventilation isn't
serious. But it may be a result of asthma. |
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| 5.
Does the child have a blistering rash with a red
base that is very painful? |
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This rash is often from CHICKENPOX, a viral
infection that will affect other areas of skin
as well. |
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Analgesics, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen,
may help the discomfort. If the redness seems to
be spreading, see your doctor. |
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| 6.
Is the pain in the front of the chest, along the
border of the breastbone and ribs, especially
after activity? |
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This may be from COSTOCHONDRITIS, an
inflammation of the joints in the chest. |
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Heat, aspirin or ibuprofen is the treatment of
choice. Do NOT give aspirin without consulting
your doctor (see warning below). See your doctor
if the pain is severe or if it doesn't improve
with these medicines. |
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| For more
information, please consult your doctor. If you
think the problem is serious, call right away. |
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WARNING: Don't give
children aspirin without your doctor's approval
due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
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