Preparing for an appointment

You're likely to start by seeing your primary care provider, who might refer you to a specialist in infectious diseases. Depending on your symptoms and the severity of your infection, you might also see other doctors, such as a lung specialist (pulmonologist) or a heart specialist (cardiologist).

What you can do

Make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment, and when they began
• Key personal information, including possible exposure to areas with numerous birds or bats
• All medications, vitamins or other supplements you take, including doses
• Questions to ask your doctor

For histoplasmosis, questions to ask your doctor include:

• What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• How could I have gotten this infection?
• What tests do I need?
• Will I need treatment and, if so, which do you recommend?
• What side effects can I expect from treatment?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?
• Are there printed materials I can have? What websites do you recommend?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, including:

• Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• Do you work outdoors?
• Have you spent time in areas with there are a lot of birds?
• Have you spent time in caves or other areas where bats might live?