Lung Cancer - When To Call a Doctor
If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions about calling when you have problems, new symptoms, or symptoms that get worse.
Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if you:
The only reported adverse effect with the use of Selected Vegetables/Sun's Soup was a feeling of fullness or bloatedness when Freeze-dried Selected Vegetables (SV) was consumed in the amount specified in the phase I/II clinical trial.[1] No adverse effects were reported after ingestion of Frozen SV.[2] References: Sun AS, Ostadal O, Ryznar V, et al.: Phase I/II study of stage III and IV non-small cell lung cancer patients taking a specific dietary supplement. Nutr Cancer...
Read the Adverse Effects article > >
- Have new or sudden onset of chest pain that is crushing or squeezing, is increasing in intensity, or occurs with any other symptoms of a heart attack.
- Have new or sudden difficulty breathing.
- Are coughing up a lot of blood (not just streaks of blood or a small amount of blood mixed with a lot of mucus) from your lungs.
- Have been vomiting and feel that you may pass out when you sit up or stand.
Call your doctor immediately for medical evaluation if you have:
- Labored, shallow, rapid breathing with shortness of breath or wheezing, even when you are resting.
- Swelling of your neck and face.
Call your doctor to find out when an evaluation is needed if you:
- Have new chest pain (more than just discomfort when you cough) that lasts a long time and gets worse when you breathe deeply.
- Develop symptoms of pneumonia, such as shortness of breath, cough, and fever.
- Have a cough that produces a small amount of bloody (bright red or rust-colored) sputum.
- Frequently cough up yellow or green sputum from your lungs (not postnasal drainage) for longer than 2 days.
- Vomit frequently from coughing.
- Have a cough that lasts longer than 4 weeks.
- Breathe normally when you are at rest but are very short of breath after any physical exercise.
- Have increasing fatigue for no apparent reason.
- Have unexplained weight loss.
Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting is a period of time during which you and your doctor observe your condition or symptoms but you do not receive medical treatment. Watchful waiting is not appropriate if you have symptoms that do not go away. If you are concerned about your symptoms and believe you may be at risk for lung cancer, call and make an appointment with your doctor.
It often is difficult to decide when to see a doctor for respiratory symptoms. See the topic Respiratory Problems, Age 12 and Older to find out if and when you need to see your doctor.
Who To See
Health professionals who can evaluate your symptoms and your risk for lung cancer include:
- Family medicine doctor.
- General practitioner.
- Internist.
- Nurse practitioner.
- Physician assistant.
- Pulmonologist.
Health professionals who can evaluate and treat your lung cancer include:
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Lung Cancer Topics
Today in Lung Cancer
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.