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Coughs - Emergencies

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Step Two

Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

Chest discomfort or pain that is crushing or squeezing or feels like a heavy weight on the chest

Chest discomfort or pain that occurs with:
- •Sweating
- •Shortness of breath
- •Nausea or vomiting
- •Pain that spreads from the chest to the back, neck, jaw, upper abdomen, or one or both shoulders or arms. See an illustration of chest pain .
- •Dizziness or lightheadedness
- •A fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

Moderate to severe difficulty breathing:
- •In a child
- •In an adult and older child

Choking. If choking is present, go to the topic Choking Rescue Procedure. Do not perform the Heimlich maneuver if the person is still coughing or able to speak.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 25, 2008

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.