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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffWhen you see your doctor, you can expect a thorough examination of your sinuses. Your doctor may also examine your eyes, ears, nose and throat. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your symptoms. 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
- Whether you currently have a cold or other respiratory infection, or you've had one recently
- If you suffer from allergies
- 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. For chronic sinusitis, 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 the medicine you're prescribing me?
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.
- Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters for Allergy and Immunology. The diagnosis and management of sinusitis: A practice parameter update. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2005; 116(6)(suppl):13-47.
- Hamilos D, et al. Clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 24, 2008.
- Leung R, et al. The diagnosis and management of acute and chronic sinusitis. Primary Care Clinics. 2008;35:11-24.
- Hamilos D, et al. Management of chronic rhinosinusitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 24, 2008.
