The symptom checker reviewed by doctors

Choose a symptom and answer simple questions using our physician-reviewed
symptom checker to find more information on your health issue.

  • Symptom
  • Assessment
  • Results

Does your child have a fever, a cough that produces mucus, and shortness of breath?

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Possible Diagnosis

These symptoms may be caused by BRONCHITIS. A high fever along with a cough and shortness of breath could also be a sign of PNEUMONIA.

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Does your child have a tight cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath?

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Possible Diagnosis

These may be symptoms of BRONCHIOLITIS.

ASTHMA can also cause wheezing, coughing, and trouble breathing.

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Does your child have a dry cough and a sharp pain in the chest when he or she takes a deep breath?

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Possible Diagnosis

These symptoms may be caused by PLEURISY, an inflammation of the lining around the lung.

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Does your child have sudden, sharp pain in one side of the chest with sudden shortness of breath?

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Possible Diagnosis

In rare cases, air will leak from a lung to fill the chest cavity. This makes it difficult to breathe. This condition is called a PNEUMOTHORAX.

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Does your child have a high fever, a very sore throat, and trouble breathing and/or swallowing? They may also be sitting forward resting on one arm (“tripoding.”)

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Possible Diagnosis

These may be signs of a serious condition called EPIGLOTTITIS.

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Does your child have pain and tenderness in the front of the chest, along the border of the breastbone and ribs, and does it get worse when your child coughs or takes a deep breath?

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Possible Diagnosis

This may be caused by COSTOCHONDRITIS, an inflammation of the rib joints in the chest.

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Self Care

If your child has BRONCHITIS, be sure he or she gets lots of rest and drinks plenty of fluids.

PNEUMONIA is a serious infection.  If your child has a fever and a cough producing mucous, see your doctor right away. You can have your child take children’s acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen for fever. Do not give children 5 years and under cough or cold medicines.

Self Care

BRONCHIOLITIS is a serious infection. Asthma flare-ups can also be a serious problem. See your doctor right away to find out what’s causing your symptoms. Do not give children 5 years and under cough or cold medicines.

Self Care

See your doctor. He or she can determine what is causing the PLEURISY. Often, an anti-inflammatory drug will help relieve symptoms. Do not give aspirin to your child. Do not give children 5 years and under cough or cold medicines.

Self Care

See your doctor right away or go to the closest emergency room or call an ambulance. Treatment of a PNEUMOTHORAX may require hospitalization.

Self Care

Get emergency medical help right away. Go to the closest emergency room or call an ambulance.

Self Care

Heat and an anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen, may help relieve symptoms. Do not give aspirin to your child. See your doctor if the pain is severe or if it doesn’t improve with these medicines.

For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think your child’s problem is serious, call your doctor right away.

WARNING: Don’t give your child aspirin without your doctor’s approval, due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

DISCLAIMER

Symptom Checker content is provided for informational purposes only. This tool may leverage certain generative artificial intelligence tools to generate results, but you should not rely on this tool as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health or the information provided when you use this tool, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your healthcare professional because of something you may have read using this tool or on the FamilyDoctor.org website. Use this content solely at your own risk. If you think you may have a medical emergency, dial 911.