Questions to Ask Your Pulmonologist

Author

Right at Home Sarasota

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Right at Home

Posted on

Mar 24, 2022

Book/Edition

Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties , Florida - Southwest

share-this
Share This

Submitted by, Right at Home , CLICK HERE for more information!

Pulmonologists are doctors who specialize in lung conditions. Often called lung doctors or chest doctors, these specialists work with your primary care doctor and others to diagnose and treat respiratory system conditions.
You may see a pulmonologist for asthma, bronchiectasis, lung cancer, or other diseases of the respiratory system, which include your lungs, nose and throat.
When seeing a pulmonologist, or any doctor, its important to ask questions about your health. Before your next appointment with your pulmonologist, grab a notebook and make a list of questions to ask. Its a great idea to have a dedicated notebook for doctor appointments that way you can see notes for all past and future appointments in the same place.


Make it a practice to use your notebook to write down questions before your appointment so you don't forget what you want to know once you are at the doctors office something that is common with the excitement and anxiety that comes along with doctor appointments. Then pack your list (and a pen or pencil) as well as any other important paperwork to bring to your pulmonologist appointment.
Here's what to ask to get the most out of your next appointment with your pulmonologist:
Discuss any new and immediate concerns.


At the top of your list, write down any new and immediate concerns. If you only have a short amount of time with your pulmonologist, ask these questions of highest priority first.
If your health condition recently emerged, you're seeing a new doctor, or you think your condition may have worsened, be sure to note any new information your pulmonologist should know before your appointment. Be specific in your notes including any dates and details you can recall so you can share as much information with your pulmonologist as possible. For example, have you noticed that your asthma feels worse lately? On which dates did you feel that way, and were there potential triggers?
Make sure you understand your recent test results and/or upcoming tests.


Next on your list, make note of which test results you are expecting your pulmonologist to discuss with you at your next appointment. Then when you visit, you can make sure that the doctor does, in fact, discuss those results with you, and remember to take notes as the doctor explains. Case in point, bronchiectasisis common in adults over age 75. Diagnostic tests include chest X-rays or CT scans, lung function tests, blood tests, sputum cultures, bronchoscopies, or a combination of these things. Having a list of the tests you took in front of you can help you feel less overwhelmed during your appointment. Check off the discussion points as you speak with your doctor.


Additionally, if your pulmonologist tells you that you'll need new or additional tests, ask for the names of the tests and what your pulmonologist hopes to learn from their results. This will help you prepare for the tests, and be helpful to reference at your follow-up appointment.
Ask about treatments and medications.
Finally, the condition you're seeing your pulmonologist for might be complex and may require a combination of treatments and medication. For instance, there are different types and stages of lung cancer, which may require different types of treatment. Ask your pulmonologist about your current treatment plan, and how and why they feel it is or is not working for you (and share how you feel about your current treatment, too). Are there new treatments or medications your doctor wants you to switch to, or are they happy with how you are doing on your current plan? How do you feel about these things? Be sure to also ask about how diet and exercise impact your condition. Does your pulmonologist have suggested changes?
Make it a goal to leave your next pulmonologist appointment understanding more about your health, and what is ahead for maintaining your wellness. Visiting with your list of questions is a great step in reaching this goal and continuing to feel your best.

Other Articles You May Like

A Special Visit: Meals on Wheels America President & CEO Joins Florida Chapter Conference

It was a momentous occasion in Bradenton on May 1, 2025, as we welcomed a very special guest  Ellie Hollander, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels America. Her visit was more than ceremonial; it was a heartfelt celebration of community, service, and the vital work being done across Florida to nourish and support our seniors.Ellie flew in from the Washington, D.C. area as the keynote speaker for the Meals on Wheels Florida annual conference, proudly hosted this year by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Ellies schedule was packed, but that did not stop her from doing an interview with MySuncoast ABC-7 telling viewers how critical the meal program is to our homebound seniors. Next, Ellie hit the road and delivered meals to some of our senior clients and talked with our volunteers. Ellie also stopped by our Friendship Dining Center program, and participated in a music game the clients love.The Members of the Florida Chapter of Meals on Wheels America named Maribeth Phillips, our President & CEO, as their Board President earlier this year. Maribeth invited Ellie to attend and kickoff the conference. Ellie shared valuable insights with the members in attendance, and her words reenergized the room!The conference included meal providers from across the state, with over 20 different organizations attending. Attendees also heard from Bob Blancato, Executive Director of NANASP, also from Washington, D.C.; Bradenton Police Detective, Jim Curulla on senior scams; Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Chief of Emergency Management Sarasota; Louise Gallagher on Senior Mental Health; and Jennifer Huber from FPL. Chef2Home provided a delicious breakfast and lunch.We are proud to be part of the national network of Meals on Wheels America and grateful to be a part of the state-wide chapter, Meals on Wheels Florida, both working every day to ensure no senior goes hungry.

Help Fight Summer Hunger in Manatee County

As summer approaches, many children in our community are looking forward to sunshine, fun, and time with friends. But for far too many, summer brings something else-hunger.When school cafeterias close for the summer, thousands of local children lose access to the nutritious meals they depend on. Families already struggling to make ends meet are faced with even more pressure. The emotional toll is real. No parent should have to worry if they can feed their child, and no child should go to bed with an empty stomach.At The Food Bank of Manatee, we are stepping up to meet the need. We partner with over 100 local food pantries across Manatee County to reach the families who need us mostbut we cant do it alone.This summer, our goal is to provide: 22,500 meals each week across the 9-week summer break. Thats more than 200,000 meals for children and familiesand every dollar makes a difference.Just $15 provides 10 meals; $30 provides 20 meals; a gift of $150 will provide 100 meals!We know that many in our community want to make a difference. With your support, we can ensure no child goes hungry during the summer months.Please consider making a gift today and sharing this message with others who want to help too. A link to our page is below. A $25,000 Matching Gift to feed children this summer has been offered by an anonymous fund at Manatee Community Foundation. Gifts will be matched $1 for $1 up to $25,000.The Food Bank of Manatee is the only food bank based in our county. We anticipate continued need as families look for nutritional support. Your help matters now more than ever! Please give today!Together, we can bring relief, peace of mind, and full bellies to those who need it most.

Celebrating the Heart of Our Mission: Volunteer Luncheon Honors Our Outstanding Volunteers

On Monday, April 7, 2025, we had the joy and honor of hosting our annual Volunteer Luncheon, a heartfelt celebration dedicated to the incredible individuals who make our mission possible each and every day. Held in a spirit of gratitude and community, the event brought together volunteers with over 100 hours of service for a beautiful luncheon provided by Metz Chef 2 Home. The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to several outstanding volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their service. From delivering meals with a smile to lending a helping hand wherever needed, these volunteers embody the true spirit of giving.The 2025 award recipients included:Champions Circle: Ten Years of ServiceDan WilhelmChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServiceTerri HillChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServicePat McDonaldOutstanding Food Bank Volunteer: Terri HillOutstanding Volunteer Ambassador: Veronica Brandon-MillerOutstanding Youth Volunteer: Jonathan MaassenMost Generous Group Ambassador: Lakewood Ranch Elks LodgeOutstanding Volunteer Group: First WatchOutstanding Administrative Volunteer: Barbara BrownOutstanding Friendship Dining Center Volunteer: Pam O ConnorOutstanding Car Loader: Charlie GunnOutstanding Warehouse Volunteer: Lana PaulRookies of the Year: Jeff and Christy MohlerOutstanding Daybreak Adult Day Center Volunteer: Larry BreidenbachOutstanding Telephone Reassurance Volunteer: Reina HuertaVolunteer of the Year: Terri HillTo every volunteer who gives their time and heartthank you. Our Volunteers are the reason we are able to serve our neighbors in need with care, dignity, and hope. We look forward to another year of making a difference together.