Preparing for an appointment

You're likely to start by taking your child to your family doctor or your child's pediatrician. However, when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred to an allergist, lung doctor (pulmonologist) or other specialist. Here's some information to help you get ready for your child's appointment.

What you can do

Make a list of:

• Your child's symptoms, how severe they are and when they occur. Note when symptoms bother your child most — for example, if symptoms tend to get worse at certain times of the day; during certain seasons; when your child is exposed to cold air, pollen or other triggers; or when he or she is playing hard or participating in sports.
• Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes your child has had.
• All medications, vitamins and supplements your child takes, including doses.
• Write down questions to ask the doctor.

For asthma or asthma-like symptoms, questions to ask your doctor include:

• Is asthma the most likely cause of my child's breathing problems?
• What else could be causing my child's symptoms?
• What tests does my child need?
• Is my child's condition likely temporary or chronic?
• What treatment do you suggest?
• My child has these other health conditions. How can we best manage them together?
• Are there restrictions my child needs to follow?
• Should my child see a specialist?
• Are there brochures or other printed materials I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your child's doctor

The doctor is likely to ask questions, including:

• When did you notice your child's symptoms?
• Does your child have difficulty breathing most of the time or only at certain times or in certain situations?
• Does your child have allergies such as hay fever?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your child's symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your child's symptoms?
• Do allergies or asthma run in your child's family?