What should you do when if a friend falls and gets a bump on the head? What should you do when you twist your ankle? Is the cough that just started serious? Should you be worried about the sinus pressure you have had for three days? Do you need to go to the emergency room right now? These are questions that all of us have. Often they come up in the evenings and weekends when your doctor's office is closed.

Symptom Checker is designed especially for these times. The Care Guides help you make better decisions about what level of medical care (if any) is needed. They also give you advice on how to treat minor illnesses and injuries at home.

Your doctor's advice and your good judgment should always take precedence over information in these Care Guides.

If you think that you are having a medical emergency, call 911 or the number for the local emergency ambulance service NOW!

When in doubt, call your doctor now or go to the closest emergency department.

Author and Senior Reviewer: David A. Thompson, M.D.

Content Set: Adult Symptom Checker

Adult Symptom Checker