These resources are designed to help you take an active role in your respiratory health. Use them to prepare for doctor visits, track symptoms, and understand when to seek care.
When to See a Pulmonologist
A pulmonologist is a doctor who specializes in lung and respiratory conditions. Consider seeing one if you experience:
- Persistent shortness of breath that interferes with daily activities
- Chronic cough lasting more than 8 weeks
- Wheezing or chest tightness that doesn't improve
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Diagnosed COPD, asthma, or other chronic lung condition
- Abnormal chest X-ray or CT scan results
- Need for specialized testing like pulmonary function tests
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Being prepared for your appointment can help you get the most from your visit. Consider asking:
About Your Diagnosis
- What condition do I have, and what does it mean?
- What caused this condition?
- What tests do I need, and what will they show?
- How will this condition affect my daily life?
- What is the expected progression of this condition?
About Treatment
- What are my treatment options?
- What are the benefits and risks of each treatment?
- How will I know if the treatment is working?
- What side effects should I watch for?
- Are there any lifestyle changes I should make?
About Medications
- How and when should I take this medication?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- Are there any foods, drinks, or other medications I should avoid?
- How long will I need to take this medication?
- What should I do if I experience side effects?
About Follow-Up Care
- When should I schedule my next appointment?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you?
- When should I seek emergency care?
- Are there any warning signs I should watch for?
Symptom Tracking Checklist
Keeping track of your symptoms can help you and your doctor identify patterns and adjust treatment. Consider tracking:
- Date and time: When did symptoms occur?
- Type of symptom: Shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, etc.
- Severity: Rate on a scale of 1-10
- Duration: How long did it last?
- Triggers: What were you doing? What was the environment like?
- Relief measures: What helped? Medication, rest, breathing techniques?
- Impact: How did it affect your activities?
Preparing for Your Appointment
Make the most of your doctor visit by preparing in advance:
- Write down your symptoms and when they started
- List all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take
- Bring your symptom tracking log if you have one
- Write down questions you want to ask
- Bring a family member or friend for support and to help remember information
- Bring your insurance card and any required referrals
- Arrive early to complete any necessary paperwork
Emergency Warning Signs
Seek Immediate Medical Care If You Experience:
- Severe difficulty breathing or shortness of breath at rest
- Blue or gray lips, fingernails, or skin
- Chest pain or pressure
- Confusion, extreme drowsiness, or difficulty staying awake
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Coughing up blood
- Sudden worsening of symptoms
Trusted External Resources
For additional information, consider these reputable organizations:
- American Lung Association Comprehensive information about lung health and respiratory conditions
- COPD Foundation Resources specifically for people with COPD and their caregivers
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Research-based information from the National Institutes of Health
- American Thoracic Society Patient education materials on respiratory health
Need More Help?
If you have questions or need additional resources, please contact us. We're here to help you find the information you need.