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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffWhen you see your doctor, he or she will ask questions and give you a physical examination. Your doctor may examine your sinuses, eyes, ears, nose and throat. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your symptoms and your family health history. Your doctor may want to know:
- Exactly what symptoms you have
- When your symptoms started
- What, if anything, seems to improve or worsen your symptoms
- If you have sinus or breathing symptoms
- Whether you've recently had a cold or other respiratory infection
- If you have asthma or any known allergic conditions
- If you smoke, are exposed to secondhand smoke or are regularly exposed to other airborne pollutants
- What medications you take, including herbal remedies
- Any health problems you have
Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together. Some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
- What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
- Other than the most likely cause, what are other possible causes for my symptoms or condition?
- What kinds of tests do I need?
- What is the best course of action?
- Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
- Should I see a specialist? What will that cost, and will my insurance cover seeing a specialist?
- Is there a generic alternative to medicine you're prescribing?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time that you don't understand something.
- Allergy. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/allergy. Accessed Jan. 7, 2009.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. http://www.acaai.org/public/questions/frequent.htm. Accessed Jan. 7, 2009.
- Tips to Remember: What is an allergic reaction? American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/whatisallergicreaction.stm. Accessed Jan. 7, 2009.
- Bauer BA. Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine. New York, N.Y.: Time Inc.; 2007:156-157.
