The location, appearance and color of a rash will help your doctor make a diagnosis. Look for care suggestions on this chart for common rashes and other skin conditions.

SYMPTOMS		DIAGNOSIS		SELF-CARE
1. Is your face, chest or back covered in small, pus-filled sacs or pimples, blackheads or sore, red bumps?		This may be ACNE, a common skin problem that often begins in adolescence.		See your doctor if over-the-counter acne treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide, don’t help. Gently washing your face with mild soap on a regular basis may be helpful. Sometimes prescription medicines, such as an antibiotic, may be prescribed by your doctor.
2. Do you have a flushed appearance, perhaps with redness around your cheeks, chin, forehead or nose?		This may be ROSACEA, a skin disease that affects the face.		Treatment isn’t usually needed, but antibiotics may be useful for moderate to severe symptoms.
3. Do you have a painful red bump or a cluster of painful red bumps?		This could be a BOIL. A cluster of boils is called a CARBUNCLE. These occur due to infection under the skin.		Gently compress the boil with a warm cloth. Use antibiotic ointments if needed. Call your doctor if the boils don’t come to a head, open and drain, or if the redness spreads.
4. Do you have a small, boil-like infection around a hair shaft or pore?		This could be FOLLICULITIS, an infection of the hair follicle.		Most of these will heal on their own. Clean the area. Use antibiotic ointments if needed. See your doctor if the condition worsens or doesn’t improve.
5. Do you have red, tender and swollen areas of skin, perhaps around a cut or scrape?		This could be CELLULITIS, an infection of the skin.		Clean the area carefully with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment. Call your doctor if redness and pain increase.
6. Do you have red, itchy bumps on your skin, and are they sprinkled randomly?		These could be INSECT BITES.		These aren’t usually harmful. Use hydrocortisone cream, antihistamine and ice to relieve itching. If symptoms get worse or don’t clear up, call your doctor. If new symptoms arise, such as difficulty breathing, dizziness or nausea, go to the emergency room right away.
7. Do you have irregular, raised or flat red sores that appeared after taking medicine?		This could be an ALLERGIC REACTION to the medicine.		Call your doctor. Try an antihistamine for itching and rash.
8. Have bumps formed suddenly on your face or body?		These could be HIVES, a skin reaction to an allergen, medicine or infection. They can also appear in some people who are very nervous.		Use an antihistamine and cool compresses for itching. If the hives don’t go away on their own or are accompanied by other symptoms, such as swelling around the lips or trouble breathing, see your doctor or go to the emergency room right away.
9. Do you have a red, itchy, scaly and oily rash, and does it affect the areas around your eyebrows, nose or the edge of your scalp?		Go to Question 12.*
10. Is the person an adult?		This could be a sign of SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS, a condition in which the sebaceous glands overproduce.		Try using hydrocortisone cream or selenium sulfide shampoo on the sore areas. See your doctor if the symptoms continue or spread.
11. Is the person a child and does the dry, scaly skin cover the head?		This could be CRADLE CAP, a form of seborrhea in infants.		Try gently scrubbing the scales to remove them. Hydrocortisone cream may also help. See your doctor if the rash doesn’t go away or if the hair doesn’t grow in that area.
*12. Do you have a red, scaling rash, and did it begin after contact with clothing, jewelry or perfume?		This could be IRRITANT CONTACT DERMATITIS. It’s caused by a reaction to detergents, perfumes and other substances.		Avoid whatever you think caused the symptoms and treat the area with hydrocortisone cream or other soothing lotions.
13. Do you have a red, itchy rash, and are blisters forming?		This could be ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS, caused by POISON IVY, poison oak or poison sumac. The oil from these plants causes an ALLERGIC REACTION.		Wash the area with soap and water to remove any oil that remains on the skin. The rash will go away after about a week. To relieve itching, apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to the rash. See your doctor if the rash covers a large area of your body, does not go away, or if new symptoms, such as fever, appear .
14. Are there red, swollen, tender bumps in your armpits or other areas where hair grows?		This could be HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA, inflammation of the sweat glands.		See your doctor. Avoid using antiperspirants and deodorants.
15. Do you have small red dots on your skin, or larger, bruise-like spots that appeared after taking medicine?		This could be ALLERGIC PURPURA, a serious allergic reaction to a medicine, such as an antibiotic that can cause bleeding.		See your doctor right away.
16. Do you have a rash that started with a single scaly, red and slightly itchy spot, and within a few days, did large numbers of smaller patches of the rash, some red and others tan, break out over your chest and abdomen?		This may be PITYRIASIS ROSEA. The causes aren’t known.		Check with your doctor. Calamine lotion and antihistamines may relieve itching and redness. The rash will probably go away in a few weeks. Pityriasis rosea doesn’t usually respond to treatment.
17. Do you have an intensely itchy rash with red bumps and blisters, and does it appear on your elbows, knees, back or buttocks?		This may be DERMATITIS HERPETIFORMIS, a rash associated with a sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in cereal grains such as barley and wheat.		See your doctor. Antibiotics can help control symptoms. Avoid foods that contain gluten.
18. Do you have large, red bumps on your skin that seem to bruise, and are they tender to touch?		This could be ERYTHEMA NODOSUM, possibly caused by an infection or reaction to a medicine.		This condition usually isn’t serious, but see your doctor to check for other diseases or causes of your symptoms.
19. Do you have a white, scaly rash over red, irritated skin, possibly on your elbows and knees?		This could be PSORIASIS, a condition caused by the overproduction of skin cells.		See your doctor. Keep the skin moisturized. Your doctor may prescribe ointments, oral medications and/or light therapy, also called phototherapy, to treat the symptoms.
20. Do you have a red, blotchy rash, with “target-like” sores or hives?		This could be ERYTHEMA MULTIFORME, a common rash caused by strep throat, viral infections and reactions to medicines.		See your doctor.
21. Do you have a red rash that is raised on your forehead and face, then spreading to your neck, trunk and downward, and do you have a fever and sore throat?		This could be MEASLES, a virus that often affects children.		See your doctor right away. Make sure your child gets an MMR immunization to help prevent this disease. Be sure to keep the affected person away from pregnant women, as measles can lead to birth defects.
22. Do you have multiple blisters on your face, chest and back, and spreading downward, along with a fever, cough, aches, tiredness and sore throat?		This could be CHICKENPOX, a virus called varicella-zoster that most often affects children.		See your doctor. Treat symptoms with acetaminophen, cold medicines and anti-itching creams, cool compresses and baths. A vaccine is available to prevent this disease.
23. Do you have red blisters that are extremely painful and that may crust?		This could be SHINGLES, a herpes-zoster viral infection of the nerves.		See your doctor. Analgesics, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and cool compresses may help.
24. Is the person a child or an adult who had a fever and then developed a bright red rash covering the cheeks?		This could be FIFTH DISEASE.		Use cold medicines to treat symptoms. See your doctor if the rash is widespread or if you are pregnant.
25. Do you have soft bumps forming that don’t itch or cause other symptoms?		These could be WARTS. PLANTAR WARTS appear on the feet. Warts also commonly appear on the hands. GENITAL WARTS appear in the genital area and are a type of sexually transmitted infection.		For most warts, you can try over-the-counter treatments. If they don’t work, see your doctor about freezing them off. If the warts appear in the genital area, see your doctor. These warts shouldn’t be treated without your doctor’s care.
26. Do you have a bald spot on your scalp or a “ring” of itchy red skin anywhere on your body?		This may be RINGWORM, a fungal infection that’s most common in children.		Treat with an antifungal cream and/or see your doctor.
27. Do you have a rash that is red but not itchy and does it affect the palms of your hands or soles of your feet?		This may be SYPHILIS, a sexually transmitted infection.		See your doctor right away.
28. Do you have a red, itchy rash that affects your groin area?		This could be a fungal infection called JOCK ITCH in men, YEAST INFECTION in women, or DIAPER RASH in infants.		Try an over-the-counter antifungal cream. If the rash doesn’t go away, see your doctor. Women with irritation inside the vagina should first see their doctor before using over-the-counter yeast infection medicines.
29. Is an area of your skin covered in light-colored patches?		This may be TINEA VERSICOLOR, a discoloration caused by a fungus.		Tinea versicolor can be treated with seleneum sulfide or an antifungal cream.
30. Have crusted, tan-colored sores formed near your nose or lip?		This could be IMPETIGO, a rash caused by a bacterial infection, such as strep or staph.		See your doctor. Treatment usually involves an antibiotic cream or ointment and an oral antibiotic. The condition is very contagious, so wash your hands well to avoid infecting anyone else.
31. Do you have bite-like sores that itch intensely, and that may have started on your hands, or between your fingers?		This is a sign of SCABIES, an infestation of mites.		Prescription medicine may be needed, along with washing clothing and bed coverings in hot water and detergent.
32, Did a fine rash start on your arms and legs and also affect the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, and have you had a fever and headache?		This could be ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER, a disease spread by ticks.		See your doctor right away.
33. Do you have a “butterfly” rash on your forehead and cheeks and do you have achy joints?		This could be a symptom of LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS, a severe, arthritis-like disease.		See your doctor right away.
34. Is your skin tinged yellow, and are the whites of your eyes and your mouth yellow?		This could be JAUNDICE. It’s common in newborns but can be a sign of HEPATITIS, a disease of the liver.		See your doctor right away.
35. Do you have a blue or black area on your skin, and did the discoloration occur after the area had been hit?		This is probably a BRUISE.		No treatment is usually necessary. Ice may slow the bleeding and swelling under the skin.
36. Are there scaly, pink, gray or tan patches or bumps on your face, scalp or on the backs or your hands?		This could be ACTINIC KERATOSES, a skin condition that can especially affect people with light skin who have been overexposed to the sun.		See your doctor. Actinic keratoses may lead to skin cancer.
37. Do you have a scar that has grown larger than expected?		This may be a KELOID, an overgrown scar or HYPERTROPHIC SCAR.		These are benign (non-cancerous) and may fade in time. See your doctor if you want the keloid removed, but surgery may cause more scar tissue to form. Keloids may be prevented by using a pressure dressing.
38. Do you have a soft or rubbery growth?		This may be a LIPOMA, a growth made up of fat cells.		These aren’t cancerous, but have them checked by your doctor. You can have a lipoma removed if it bothers you.
39. Is the person a newborn and is the baby’s face covered in small, white bumps?		This may be MILIA, or baby acne.		This condition usually clears up after the first few weeks of life and doesn’t require treatment.
40. Do you have small, firm, round bumps with pits in the center that may sit on tiny stalks?		This may be MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM, bumps caused by a virus.		See your doctor. These bumps are contagious and most common in children and teens. Early treatment helps prevent the spread.
41. Do you have a bump with a white dome under your skin , perhaps on your scalp, nape of your neck or upper back?		This may be a SEBACEOUS CYST, or blocked oil gland.		These cysts aren’t cancerous, but have them checked by your doctor to make sure of the diagnosis. Large cysts can be removed with surgery.
42. Do you have a soft, fleshy growth, lump or bump, perhaps on your face, neck, armpits or groin?		This may be a SKIN TAG.		These are harmless, but if one gets irritated, you can have it removed.
43. Do you have a yellow area under your skin, perhaps near your eyelids?		This may be an XANTHELASMA, a fatty deposit.		If it bothers you, see your doctor about having it removed.
44. Is there a dark bump that may have started within a mole or blemish, or, is there a spot or mole anywhere on your skin that has changed in color, size, shape or is painful or itchy?		This could be a MELANOMA, a type of skin cancer.		See your doctor right away.
45. Is there a fleshy, growing mass on or near your nose, eyes or other areas that have been exposed to the sun, such as your back or chest?		This could be BASAL CELL CARCINOMA, the most common type of skin cancer.		Have this checked by your doctor. This type of cancer is easily treated if caught early.
46. Is there an unusual growth on your face, lip or chin that is red, scaly or crusted ?		This could be SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA, a type of skin cancer.		See your doctor right away.
47. Are there dark or black raised spots anywhere on your skin that keep growing or have appeared recently?		This could be KAPOSI’S SARCOMA, a serious type of skin cancer most common in people who have AIDS or other immune deficiencies.		See your doctor right away.
For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think the problem is serious, call your doctor right away.

This tool has been reviewed by doctors and is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information in this tool should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health. Always consult your family doctor with questions about your individual condition(s) and/or circumstances. Source: American Academy of Family Physicians. Family Health & Medical Guide. Dallas: Word Publishing; 1996.

From missed periods to painful periods, menstrual cycle problems are common, but usually not serious. Follow this chart for information regarding changes in your cycle.

SYMPTOMS		DIAGNOSIS		SELF-CARE
1. Have your periods become painful?		Go to Question 5.*
2. Have you been more emotional, fatigued or irritable, or do you have more bloating or weight gain than usual, or do you have trouble concentrating or sleeping just prior to your periods?		This may be normal MENSTRUAL CRAMPS, or you may have PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS).		Use over-the-counter medicine such as ibuprofen or naproxen for bloating and pain. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Make changes to the way you eat and exercise. Eat smaller, more frequent meals that are high in complex carbohydrates such as fruits,vegetables and whole grains, and take a daily multivitamin and calcium. See your doctor if symptoms get worse.
3. Do you have a sexually transmitted disease, or do you have a fever or foul-smelling vaginal discharge?		You may have a serious infection around your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus called PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID).		URGENT See your doctor right away. Any infection in the abdomen can be serious.
4. Do you have pain at other times such as during sex, ovulation or bowel movements?		You may have ENDOMETRIOSIS, a problem with the lining of the uterus, or OVARIAN CYSTS.		See your doctor.
*5. Are your periods heavier or are you bleeding longer than usual?		Go to Question 9.**
6. Do you use an IUD?		The IUD may have caused this change in the pattern of your bleeding.		See your doctor.
7. Do you have a constant feeling that you need to urinate, or do you have pelvic pressure, constipation or pain in your back or legs?		Your symptoms may be from FIBROIDS, noncancerous tumors of the uterus.		See your doctor.
8. Do you have muscle aches, swelling or stiffness in your joints, tightness or swelling in your throat, and/or weakness in your legs?		You may have a problem with your THYROID GLAND such as HASHIMOTO’S DISEASE.		See your doctor.
**9. Are your periods irregular, infrequent or have they stopped?		Go to Question 14.***
10. Do you have breast tenderness, abdominal fullness or nausea?		You may have an OVARIAN CYST, or you may be PREGNANT.		If you could be pregnant, do an at-home pregnancy test. If it’s positive, see your doctor for confirmation. If you don’t think you’re pregnant and symptoms continue, see your doctor.
11. Are you on birth control pills?		Some women will miss a period while on BIRTH CONTROL PILLS. There is a small chance you could be PREGNANT.		Wait to see if you have a period at the end of your next pack of pills. See your doctor if you have signs of pregnancy or you don’t have a period after the second month.
12. Are you 35 years old or older?		Periods that stop after years of regularity may be caused by normal or premature MENOPAUSE. Irregular periods may be due to FIBROIDS, HORMONE PROBLEMS, or other medical conditions.		See your doctor.
13. Have you felt sluggish, or have you gained or lost weight without trying?		You may have a HORMONE PROBLEM, such as a THYROID GLAND problem. Periods may stop or become irregular if your weight falls dramatically, as can occur with ANOREXIA NERVOSA.		See your doctor.
***14. Are you bleeding at times other than your period, or again after having gone through menopause?		Your bleeding could be from FIBROIDS, ENDOMETRIOSIS, or from a serious condition such as ENDOMETRIAL CANCER.		See your doctor right away. Early detection of endometrial cancer is important for successful treatment.
For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think the problem is serious, call your doctor right away.

This tool has been reviewed by doctors and is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information in this tool should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health. Always consult your family doctor with questions about your individual condition(s) and/or circumstances. Source: American Academy of Family Physicians. Family Health & Medical Guide. Dallas: Word Publishing; 1996.

There are many causes for headaches, which are sometimes accompanied by other symptoms. Follow this chart for more information.

SYMPTOMS		DIAGNOSIS		SELF-CARE
1. Do you have a fever, cold symptoms, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea?		You may have the FLU or a COLD or GASTROENTERITIS, the stomach flu.		Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Use over-the-counter medicine to relieve cold and flu symptoms and for diarrhea.
2. Do you have a severe headache, stiff neck and vomiting, and does normal light hurt your eyes?		You may have MENINGITIS, a serious infection of the fluid around your brain and spinal cord, or INTRACRANIAL HEMORRHAGE, bleeding inside the brain.		EMERGENCY See your doctor or go to the emergency room right away.
3. Have you injured your head or been knocked out recently?		You may have a CONCUSSION, or a SUBDURAL HEMATOMA, a serious condition caused by blood pushing on your brain.		URGENT See your doctor right away.
4. Do you have numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms and legs?		You may be having a STROKE .		EMERGENCY See your doctor or go to the emergency room right away.
5. Do you have pressure around your eyes, or do you have yellowish-green nasal discharge with a sore throat and a fever?		You may have a SINUS INFECTION.		Treat fever, headache and sore throat with over-the-counter medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. An over-the-counter decongestant and saline nasal spray may help relieve other symptoms. See your doctor if the pain becomes severe or your fever persists.
6. Do you have mild to moderate pain around your temples and does the pain occur during times of stress or after you have been sitting in one position for a long time?		You may have a TENSION HEADACHE.		Use over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain. Getting plenty of rest, taking a hot shower and applying ice packs to painful areas may also help.
7. Do you have intense, throbbing pain, often with nausea or vomiting, and is the pain sometimes preceded by seeing flashing lights or spots?		You may suffer from MIGRAINE headaches.		See your doctor. He or she can diagnose your problem and may prescribe prescription medicine for migraines. In the meantime, use over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain. You can also rest in a dark room and apply ice packs and gentle pressure to painful areas.
8. Do your headaches occur after you read, watch TV or use a computer?		Your headaches may be due to VISION PROBLEMS.		See an optometrist or ophthalmologist for an eye exam to see if you need glasses or contacts to correct your vision.
9. Do you get headaches and do you feel shaky and weak if you miss a meal?		Your headaches may be from HYPOGLYCEMIA, or low blood sugar.		See your doctor. You can also try eating six small meals a day rather than three large meals. This may regulate your blood sugar.
10. Are you trying to cut down on caffeine, alcohol or some other drug?		You may be suffering from WITHDRAWAL.		Use over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain and discomfort. The symptoms should fade after a few days. Don’t restart your habit.
For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think the problem is serious, call your doctor right away.

This tool has been reviewed by doctors and is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information in this tool should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health. Always consult your family doctor with questions about your individual condition(s) and/or circumstances. Source: American Academy of Family Physicians. Family Health & Medical Guide. Dallas: Word Publishing; 1996.

Ear problems are often caused by an infection. However, other conditions may also cause ear pain or discomfort. Follow this chart for more information about ear problems.

SYMPTOMS		DIAGNOSIS		SELF-CARE
1. Do you have a fever?		Go to Question 5.*
2. Are you experiencing pain deep in the ear and/or fluid draining from the ear?		You may have OTITIS MEDIA, an infection of the middle ear.		See your doctor. Many ear infections will safely clear up on their own, but others require antibiotics.
3. Do you have redness and swelling of the outer ear and the surrounding skin?		Your ear canal, outer ear and the skin around your ear may be seriously INFECTED.		URGENT SEE YOUR DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY.
4. Do you have a headache-type pain and redness behind your ear or tenderness when you touch the bone behind your ear?		Your pain may be from MASTOIDITIS, an infection of the bone behind the ear, or from an ENLARGED LYMPH NODE.		URGENT SEE YOUR DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY.
*5. Do you have thick pus-filled or bloody drainage from the ear canal that started after a sharp, sudden pain?		You may have a RUPTURED EARDRUM.		See your doctor. Avoid infection by keeping your ear dry while it’s healing. Putting a warm heating pad on your ear may help relieve the pain.
6. Is your ear swollen, and does it itch or hurt when you pull on your ear or earlobe?		Your pain may be caused by OTITIS EXTERNA, an infection of the ear canal that is also called swimmer’s ear.		See your doctor. Keep your ear dry while it’s healing. Putting a warm heating pad over your ear may help relieve the pain. You can prevent swimmer’s ear by placing 3 to 5 drops of a half-alcohol, half-white vinegar solution in the ear before and after swimming or taking showers.
7. Does your jaw joint “crack” when you chew or open your mouth, or do you feel tenderness in your jaw?		TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT (TMJ) SYNDROME, a disorder that affects the jaw joint, may be the source of your pain.		Try an anti-inflammatory medicine. Try massaging the sore muscles around your jaw. Moist heat or cold packs may also help relieve the pain. If there’s no improvement in a week or 2, see your dentist or doctor. If you’re experiencing severe pain or you can’t open your jaw, see your doctor right away.
8. Do you hear fluid in your ear, and feel pressure or stuffiness that can’t be cleared with coughing, yawning or swallowing, and do you have cold or flu symptoms?		Your ear discomfort may be caused by a BLOCKED EUSTACIAN TUBE. Colds and the flu often lead to this condition.		Try an over-the-counter decongestant medicine for a few days. Putting a warm heating pad on your ear may help relieve the pain. If the pain is intense or doesn’t go away in 1 or 2 days, see your doctor.
9. Do you have tooth pain on the same side as the ear pain when you bite down?		A tooth problem can radiate pain to the ear on the same side.		Try a mild over-the-counter pain reliever, and see your dentist.
10. Did your ear pain start during an airplane flight or right after you traveled on an airplane?		You may have BAROTRAUMA, also called airplane ear, which is caused by changes in altitude and air pressure.		If your symptoms don’t improve in a few hours or if the pain is severe, see your doctor.
11. Can you see or feel a “pimple” in the ear canal?		A small INFECTION in the ear canal may be the cause.		The infection will probably go away by itself in 2 to 5 days. A mild pain reliever and warm compresses may help relieve the pain. See your doctor if the pain becomes severe or if redness and warmth spread into the ear.
12. Is the affected person a child who doesn’t have ear pain or redness but is having problems hearing?		This may be caused by a buildup of fluid (SEROUS OTITIS) or a buildup of wax in the ear canal (CERUMINOSIS).		Talk to your doctor. He or she can tell you how to treat the wax or fluid buildup.
For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think your problem is serious, call your doctor right away.

This tool has been reviewed by doctors and is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information in this tool should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health. Always consult your family doctor with questions about your individual condition(s) and/or circumstances. Source: American Academy of Family Physicians. Family Health & Medical Guide. Dallas: Word Publishing; 1996.

Diarrhea is an uncomfortable condition that can have many causes. Most cases of diarrhea will go away on their own. However, in some cases, diarrhea can lead to dehydration or be a sign of a more serious problem. Follow this chart to see if the cause of your diarrhea needs immediate medical attention.

SYMPTOMS		DIAGNOSIS		SELF-CARE
1. Are you also nauseated or vomiting?		Go to Question 10.*
2. Did your symptoms begin 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating or drinking dairy products?		Your symptoms may be caused by LACTOSE INTOLERANCE. People who have this condition have trouble digesting the sugar in milk and other dairy products.		If you think you have lactose intolerance, talk to your doctor. He or she may recommend taking lactase enzyme tablets or drops to help prevent problems. Also, avoid eating or drinking foods and beverages that make you sick.
3. Have you eaten food that might be spoiled, or did someone else eat the same food and become ill too?		You may have FOOD POISONING. Other symptoms of food poisoning may include headache, fever and chills, and weakness.		Most problems caused by food poisoning will clear up within 12 to 48 hours. In the meantime, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Children should be given an oral rehydration solution (ORS). Avoid solid foods until the diarrhea goes away. If your symptoms last longer than 48 hours, or you’re very uncomfortable, call your doctor.
4. Have you traveled recently to another country?		You may have TRAVELER’S DIARRHEA, which is caused by contaminated food or drink.		Over-the-counter medicines may help relieve your symptoms. Drink plenty of fluids but avoid alcohol, caffeine and dairy products. If your symptoms persist, call your doctor.
5. Do you have pain in the lower left side of your abdomen, especially after you eat foods that are difficult to digest?		You may have a condition that affects the intestines, such as DIVERTICULOSIS or DIVERTICULITIS.		See your doctor. A diet high in FIBER may help relieve your symptoms.
6. Is your diarrhea watery, and do you have a headache or muscle aches and a low fever?		You may have viral GASTROENTERITIS, also called the stomach flu.		Get plenty of rest. Children who have gastroenteritis should be given an oral rehydration solution (ORS) to prevent dehydration. Ease back into eating with bland foods and clear liquids. Contact your doctor if you have a high fever or your symptoms last for more than 10 days.
7. Do you have persistent severe abdominal cramps, gas and watery diarrhea followed by greasy stools?		You may have a form of BACTERIAL DIARRHEA or a parasite (GIARDIA).		Call your doctor promptly. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeine.
8. Do you have a fever, and are you experiencing pain in the middle or upper abdomen that radiates to your back?		These may be symptoms of GALLBLADDER DISEASE or PANCREATITIS.		Call your doctor promptly.
9. Are you bloated, and are you experiencing severe lower abdominal pain or cramping?		These could be symptoms of a problem such as an INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION or blockage.		SEE YOUR DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY, OR GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM.
*10. Are you currently taking an antibiotic or other new medicine?		Your diarrhea may be caused by the MEDICINE.		Talk to your doctor about the antibiotic or medicine you’re taking. He or she may be able to prescribe a medicine that won’t cause diarrhea. However, don’t stop taking your current medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
11. Do you have diarrhea along with gas, bloating and stomach pains every time you eat certain foods?		MALABSORPTION problems, such as CELIAC DISEASE, can cause food-related diarrhea.		Avoid the foods that make you sick, and discuss the problem with your doctor.
12. Do you have frequent bowel movements mixed with blood or mucus, and abdominal pain and cramping?		You may have INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE or CROHN’S DISEASE.		See your doctor. He or she will determine what treatment is right for you. Drink plenty of fluids, and avoid foods that make your symptoms worse.
13. Do your bowel movements alternate between constipation and diarrhea, and does your condition seem to get worse when you’re under stress?		IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME or SPASTIC COLON may be the cause of your diarrhea.		Gradually increase the amount of FIBER in your diet, and drink plenty of fluids. If you see blood in your stools, call your doctor.
14. Have you had chronic constipation but suddenly experienced watery diarrhea that leaks out?		You may have a FECAL IMPACTION, a large mass of dry, hard stool that is trapped in the rectum.		See your doctor.
For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think your problem is serious, call your doctor right away.

This tool has been reviewed by doctors and is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information in this tool should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health. Always consult your family doctor with questions about your individual condition(s) and/or circumstances. Source: American Academy of Family Physicians. Family Health & Medical Guide. Dallas: Word Publishing; 1996.

A cough is an annoying symptom that can have many causes. Follow this chart to help identify your problem and find suggestions for self-care.

SYMPTOMS		DIAGNOSIS		SELF-CARE
1. Has your cough begun recently?		Go to Question 12.**
2. Are you very short of breath, and are you coughing up pink, frothy mucus?		Your symptoms may be from a serious condition called PULMONARY EDEMA (fluid in the lungs).		EMERGENCY GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM RIGHT AWAY.
3. Does your cough produce clear or pale yellow mucus?		You may have a viral illness such as a COLD or the FLU.		Get plenty of rest, and drink lots of fluids. Try over-the-counter medicines to treat your symptoms.
4. Does your cough produce yellow, tan or green mucus?		You may have an infection of the airways such as CHRONIC BRONCHITIS. If you have a fever with shaking chills and are very ill, you may have a more serious infection such as PNEUMONIA.		See your doctor. He or she can prescribe medicine to relieve your symptoms. Get plenty of rest, and drink lots of fluids. If you smoke, stop smoking.
5. Does the cough come with shortness of breath and wheezing?		These symptoms may be a sign of ASTHMA, a constriction of the airways.		Asthma can be dangerous and should be diagnosed and treated by your doctor.
6. Do you have swelling in your legs and/or shortness of breath when you are active or after you have been lying down?		Go to Question 10.*
7. Do you have heart problems?		Persistent coughing can be caused by CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, especially when there is a buildup of fluid in the lungs.		See your doctor.
8. Have you recently started coughing up blood or bloody sputum?		Go to Question 12.**
9. Have you recently started having sharp chest pain, rapid heartbeat, swelling of the legs and sudden shortness of breath?		Bloody mucus with these symptoms may mean that a blood clot has moved from your leg to your lungs. This is called PULMONARY EMBOLISM.		EMERGENCY SEE YOUR DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY.
*10. Do you have a fever, chills and night sweats along with chest pain when you cough or take a deep breath?		These symptoms may be caused by TUBERCULOSIS or another type of infection.		See your doctor.
11. Have you unintentionally lost weight?		This may be a sign of a serious illness, such as LUNG CANCER. Other signs of lung cancer may include a cough that produces bloody sputum, shortness of breath and wheezing.		See your doctor right away.
**12. Did you inhale dust, particles or an object?		IRRITATION OF THE AIRWAYS will cause coughing to attempt to clear the object or irritation out of the airway.		If the coughing is severe or if you don’t believe the irritant has been cleared from your airway, see your doctor or go to the emergency room right away.
For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think your problem is serious, call your doctor right away.

This tool has been reviewed by doctors and is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information in this tool should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health. Always consult your family doctor with questions about your individual condition(s) and/or circumstances. Source: American Academy of Family Physicians. Family Health & Medical Guide. Dallas: Word Publishing; 1996.

Follow this chart for information about how to treat the symptoms of a cold or the flu and how to know when to see a doctor. Other illnesses may also cause flu- or cold-like symptoms. Self-care is often all that is needed to treat common viral illnesses.

SYMPTOMS		DIAGNOSIS		SELF-CARE
1. Do you have a fever?		Go to Question 6.*
2. Do you have a sore throat and headache–without nasal drainage?		You may have STREP THROAT, a bacterial infection.		See your doctor if the sore throat or fever lasts longer than 48 hours. He or she can do a test to find out if you have strep throat. If you do, your doctor may give you an antibiotic to treat it. You should also get plenty of rest, and drink lots of water. Gargling with warm salt water may help relieve a sore throat.
3. Did your symptoms start suddenly, and do you have a combination of symptoms including muscle aches, chills, a sore throat, runny nose or cough?		You may have the FLU.		Get plenty of rest, and drink lots of fluids. Over-the-counter medicines may relieve some of your symptoms. Your doctor may suggest a prescription medicine that may shorten the course of the flu. Prevent the flu by getting a flu shot each fall.
4. Do you have a persistent cough that brings up yellowish or greenish mucus, wheezing and shortness of breath.		You may be developing ACUTE BRONCHITIS, an infection of the airways.		Get plenty of rest, and drink lots of fluids. If you smoke, cut down on the number of cigarettes you smoke, or stop smoking. Use an over-the-counter medicine for pain and fever, and an expectorant to ease the coughing. A humidifier may also relieve some symptoms. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your doctor.
5. Do you have a headache or muscle aches, nausea or vomiting, and watery diarrhea?		You may have GASTROENTERITIS (also called the stomach flu).		Get plenty of rest. Children who have gastroenteritis should be given an oral rehydration solution to avoid dehydration. Ease back into eating with bland foods and clear liquids.
*6. Do you have a runny and/or itchy nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes?		You may have ALLERGIES.		Try an over-the-counter antihistamine medicine. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your doctor.
7. Do you have sneezing, a sore throat, headache, congestion and a runny nose?		You probably have a COLD.		Try an over-the-counter cold medicine to treat the specific symptoms you are having. Get plenty of rest, and drink lots of fluid.
8. Do you have swelling or pain around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead, a headache, a dry cough, and/or discharge from the nose?		You may be developing SINUSITIS.		See your doctor. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen and/or warm compresses may help reduce facial pain. A cool mist vaporizer may help your sinuses drain more easily. Drink plenty of fluids.
For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think your problem is serious, call right away.				WARNING: Due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, don’t give aspirin to children without your doctor’s approval.

This tool has been reviewed by doctors and is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information in this tool should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health. Always consult your family doctor with questions about your individual condition(s) and/or circumstances. Source: American Academy of Family Physicians. Family Health & Medical Guide. Dallas: Word Publishing; 1996.

Many problems can cause symptoms in the chest area, such as discomfort, shortness of breath or pain with swallowing. Follow this chart for more information.

SYMPTOMS		DIAGNOSIS		SELF-CARE
1. Is the affected person an infant or child?		See Chest Pain in Infants and Children.
2. Do you have shortness of breath?		Go to Question 8.*
3. Does your chest ache along the edges of your breastbone, and does your pain get worse when you cough or take a deep breath?		You may have COSTOCHONDRITIS, an inflammation of the joints in your chest.		Costochondritis usually goes away on its own. Try an anti-inflammatory medicine to relieve the pain. Heat may also help. See your doctor if the pain doesn’t get better with these treatments.
4. Do physical activities, emotional stress or extreme temperatures cause a feeling of pressure under the breastbone?		Your pain may be from a heart problem called stable ANGINA.		See your doctor. Angina is a sign that a person has a higher risk of serious heart problems, such as heart attack.
5. Do you have fullness and pain under your breastbone or in the upper right side of your abdomen after eating a greasy or fatty meal?		The pain you have may be from a GALLBLADDER problem.		See your doctor. Also, avoid fatty foods.
6. Do you have a burning sensation in your chest that either feels worse when you eat or drink, or feels better when you eat or drink but gets worse a few hours later?		You may have an ULCER, IRRITATION OF THE ESOPHAGUS or SPASM of the muscles of the esophagus. If the discomfort is in your upper stomach, and gets worse when you lean forward or lie down, you may have a HIATAL HERNIA. This is a common problem in which the top of the stomach is pushed into the lower chest after eating.		Limit your alcohol intake, eat smaller meals, and avoid fatty foods. Try an antacid to help relieve your discomfort. Sleeping on 2 or 3 pillows or a foam wedge, or raising the head of your bed, may also help. If these steps don’t relieve your symptoms, see your doctor.
7. Do you have stinging or burning pain that started after you had a case of SHINGLES?		Your pain may be caused by POSTHERPETIC NEURALGIA, a condition that can remain after the shingles infection.		See your doctor. In many cases, postherpetic neuralgia can be treated with over-the-counter pain medicines and capsaicin cream.
*8. Do you have episodes of wheezing and a cough that won’t go away?		Your chest discomfort and shortness of breath may be caused by ASTHMA.		See your doctor right away. Asthma is very treatable, but it can be a serious condition.
9. Do you have a tight feeling in your chest and on ongoing cough that produces a lot of mucus?		These symptoms may be caused by CHRONIC BRONCHITIS, especially if you smoke.		See your doctor. If you smoke, STOP SMOKING. Also, avoid breathing in anything that can irritate your lungs.
10. Do you have an ongoing, mild cough, has your shortness of breath been increasing slowly for years, and have you been a smoker or been exposed to dust and fumes where you work?		EMPHYSEMA may be the cause of your problem.		See your doctor. If you smoke, STOP SMOKING. Also, avoid breathing in anything that can irritate your lungs.
11. Do you have a fever, chills or night sweats, or are you coughing up bloody mucus?		You may have an infectious illness, such as TUBERCULOSIS, or a FUNGAL INFECTION. A more serious problem, such as LUNG CANCER, could also be the cause.		See your doctor right away.
For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think your problem is serious, call your doctor right away.

This tool has been reviewed by doctors and is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information in this tool should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health. Always consult your family doctor with questions about your individual condition(s) and/or circumstances. Source: American Academy of Family Physicians. Family Health & Medical Guide. Dallas: Word Publishing; 1996.

Chest pain isn’t just a problem for adults. It may occur in a child as well. Many of the causes aren’t serious, but they may require a doctor’s attention. Follow this chart for more information about chest pain in infants and children.

SYMPTOMS		DIAGNOSIS		SELF-CARE
1. Does your child have a fever, a cough that produces mucus and shortness of breath?		These symptoms may be caused by BRONCHITIS. A high fever along with cough and shortness of breath could be a sign of PNEUMONIA.		If your child has bronchitis, be sure he or she gets lots of rest and drinks plenty of fluids. Pneumonia is a serious infection. See your doctor right away.
2. Does your child have a tight cough, wheezing and shortness of breath?		These may be symptoms of BRONCHIOLITIS. ASTHMA can also cause wheezing, coughing and trouble breathing.		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.
3. Does your child have a dry cough and a sharp pain in the chest when he or she takes a deep breath?		These symptoms may be caused by PLEURISY, an inflammation of the lining around the lung.		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 without consulting your doctor first (see warning below).
4. Does your child have sudden sharp pain in one side of the chest with shortness of breath?		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.		See your doctor right away. Treatment of a pneumothorax may require hospitalization.
5. Does your child have a high fever, a very sore throat, and trouble breathing and/or swallowing?		These may be signs of a serious condition called EPIGLOTTITIS.		URGENT. GET EMERGENCY MEDICAL HELP RIGHT AWAY.
6. 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?		This may be caused by COSTOCHONDRITIS, an inflammation of the joints in the chest.		Heat and an anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen, may help relieve symptoms. DO NOT give aspirin to your child without consulting your doctor first (see warning below). 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.

This tool has been reviewed by doctors and is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information in this tool should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health. Always consult your family doctor with questions about your individual condition(s) and/or circumstances. Source: American Academy of Family Physicians. Family Health & Medical Guide. Dallas: Word Publishing; 1996.

Breast lumps, pain, discharge or skin problems can be a sign of a minor problem or something more serious, so it’s important to pay attention to any changes. Follow this chart for more information about breast problems.

SYMPTOMS		DIAGNOSIS		SELF-CARE
1. Do you have swelling and tenderness in one or both breasts?		Go to Question 6.*
2. Have you given birth recently?		Soon after giving birth, your breasts could become engorged with milk, causing swelling and tenderness. Breast pain along with redness, nipple discharge, itching or a fever, could be a sign of MASTITIS, an infection of a milk duct.		If your breasts are engorged, applying warm compresses to the breast and gently expressing some milk may help. If you have an infection, talk to your doctor. He or she may give you an antibiotic.
3. Did the tenderness start recently, and do your breasts feel fuller and heavier?		You may be PREGNANT. Changes in the way your breasts feel, fatigue, nausea and frequent urination are some of the early signs of pregnancy		Take an at-home pregnancy test. If it’s positive, see your doctor.
4. Do the swelling and tenderness seem to occur at about the same time during every menstrual cycle?		Go to Question 6.*
5. Do you feel thickened, bumpy areas throughout your breast?		Your symptoms may be a result of HORMONAL CHANGES during your menstrual cycle. If you also have irritability, trouble sleeping and mood changes, you may have PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS).		Over-the-counter medicines may help relieve bloating and tenderness. Ibuprofen or naproxen may be helpful for painful periods. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, sugary foods and excess salt. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe a medicine to relieve them.
		Your symptoms may be caused by FIBROCYSTIC DISEASE.		See your doctor. He or she may recommend that you avoid fatty foods and caffeine.
*6. Do you feel a tender lump, smaller than a penny, that wasn’t there last month?		This lump may be a noncancerous GROWTH or CYST.		Carefully check this lump for a month. If it doesn’t go away or it changes, see your doctor.
7. Do you feel a painless lump that is deep in your breast, possibly attached to your ribs?		A painless, firm lump may be a sign of a more serious problem, such as BREAST CANCER.		See your doctor as soon as possible.
8. Are you breastfeeding and having pain and cracking of the nipple?		Persistent pain and cracking in the nipple with breastfeeding could mean INFECTION, or it could mean that your baby is not latching properly.		Try a lanolin ointment on your nipple. If it doesn’t help, see your doctor or a lactation consultant.
9. Have you noticed any breast changes such as skin dimpling or puckering, redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin, or have you had any nipple discharge?		These changes may be a sign of a serious problem, such as BREAST CANCER		See your doctor as soon as possible.
10. Do you have a sore on your breast that won’t heal?		A nonhealing sore on the breast could be a sign of a serious problem.		See your doctor.
For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think your problem is serious, call right away.

This tool has been reviewed by doctors and is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information in this tool should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health. Always consult your family doctor with questions about your individual condition(s) and/or circumstances. Source: American Academy of Family Physicians. Family Health & Medical Guide. Dallas: Word Publishing; 1996.