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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffIf your primary care doctor suspects a serious lung problem, you're likely to be referred to a pulmonologist, a doctor who specializes in lung disorders. To 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 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 pulmonary fibrosis and the long-term outlook for people who have the disease.
- Have a friend or family member accompany you. Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious and complex disease. A friend or family member can provide emotional support and help remember information that you may have forgotten or missed.
References
- Garantziotis S, et al. Serum inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor and matrix hyaluronan promote angiogenesis in fibrotic lung injury. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 2008;178:939.
- Interstitial lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis. American Lung Association. http://www.lungusa.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=4294229&ct=3052333. Accessed Jan. 13, 2008.
- King TE. Clinical advances in the diagnosis and therapy of the interstitial lung diseases. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 2005;172:26.
- What are the signs and symptoms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis? National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/ipf/ipf_signsandsymptoms.html. Accessed Jan. 13, 2009.
- How is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treated? National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/ipf/ipf_treatments.html, Accessed Jan, 13, 2009.
- McKay S, et al. Patient information handbook. Chicago, Ill.: American Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation; 2004. http://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/patient.pdf. Accessed Jan 13, 2009.
- What causes idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis? National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/ipf/ipf_causes.html. Accessed Jan. 14, 2009.
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Diagnosis and treatment: International consensus statement. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 2000;161:646.
