Preparing for an appointment

Unless you require emergency care, you're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred immediately to a lung specialist (pulmonologist).

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

• Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
• Note when the symptoms began and what you were doing at the time.
• Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements you're taking.
• Take a family member or friend with you to your appointment, if possible, to help you remember everything that is said.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Questions to ask your doctor

• What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
• What kinds of tests do I need?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• What are my treatment alternatives?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• Are there any diet or activity restrictions?
• Do you have any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me?
• What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment if you don't understand something or need more information.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:

• When did you start having symptoms?
• Do you always have symptoms or do they come and go?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• Have you had a fever?
• What, if anything, makes you feel better?
• What, if anything, makes your symptoms worse?