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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffIf your primary care doctor suspects that you have COPD, you'll likely be referred to a pulmonologist, a doctor who specializes in lung disorders. These suggestions may help you get the most from your appointment:
- Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make your appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you need to do in advance to prepare for diagnostic tests you might have.
- Write down all symptoms and changes you're experiencing, even if they seem unrelated to your lungs or breathing.
- Write down key personal information, including any recent life changes or other stressors.
- Make a list of important medical information, including recent surgical procedures, the names of all medications you're taking and any other conditions for which you've been treated.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor. For instance, you'll want to learn more about treatment options for COPD and the long-term outlook for people who have the disease.
- Have a friend or family member accompany you. Shortness of breath from any cause is a serious problem. A friend or family member can provide emotional support as well as help remember information that you may have forgotten or missed.
References
- Standards for the diagnosis and management of patients with COPD. American Thoracic Society. http://www.thoracic.org/sections/copd/resources/copddoc.pdf. Accessed Jan. 15, 2009.
- Gigliotti F, et al. Breathing retraining and exercise conditioning in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A physiological approach. Respiratory Medicine. 2003;97:197.
- What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/copd/what-is-copd/index.htm. Accessed Jan. 15, 2009.
- Pocket guide to COPD diagnosis, management and prevention. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. http://www.goldcopd.com/Guidelineitem.asp?l1=2&l2=1&intId=1116. Accessed Jan. 15, 2009.
- Sutherland ER, et al. Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. New England Journal of Medicine. 2004;350:2589.
- COPD Fact Sheet. American Lung Association. COPD Fact Sheet.http://www.lungusa.org/site/c.dvLUK9O0E/b.252866/k.A435/COPD_Fact_Sheet.htm. Accessed Jan. 15, 2009.
- Tiep BL, et al. Long-term supplemental oxygen therapy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 15, 2009.
