Things To Consider Before You Talk To Your Doctor About Asthma
When asthma is the diagnosis, you must act in a proactive manner and take charge of your treatment. Keep up with your medical checkups and go prepared to ask questions and share information. You are a part of the treatment team, and acting in any other manner will only offer negative consequences and leave you feeling out of control of your diagnosis.
When visiting your doctor, go prepared with a lot of questions. Ask about the treatment options, ask which options the doctor thinks are best for you and ask why. If you do not agree with the doctor's decision, speak up! Sometimes it is beneficial to write your questions down in advance so you do not forget to ask them. Acting in a proactive manner will help you to take charge of your treatment, fully understand your options and receive the best care.
In addition to asking a lot of questions, it can be beneficial to have someone tag along during your medical visits. Sometimes there is a lot of information presented in a very short time frame during a doctor's visit. With another set of ears, you have a better chance of getting all the information. Seek out a trusted friend or family member. Ask that person to take notes and tell the person to speak up if they have questions or concerns. Two sets of ears are better than one when it comes to understanding your treatment plan.
Another thing to bring along to any medical visit is a full list of all your medications. Make sure to include both prescription medications and over the counter drugs, vitamins or other supplements. If your doctor prescribes something new, ask if any of your current medications can counteract the positive effects of the new medication. Be sure to also discuss any dosage concerns or medications that you feel are not serving your best interest. By acting as a team member with your physician, you can make sure you are taking the right medications and that they will work well in concert with each other.
Finally, never be afraid to find a new doctor or ask for a second opinion if you do not agree with your current doctor's determination. In addition to providing you with medical advice, your doctor needs to be someone that you feel comfortable speaking freely with. If you do not feel like your ideas are meshing with your doctor's or you do not feel like you are being heard, seek out another professional for a second opinion. Doing this will ensure that you are able to remain active in your plan of care, as well as that you receive the medications and treatment plans that will benefit you most.
Stay active in your asthma treatment plan and you are sure to see the best results. This will allow you to feel in control of your condition and implement measures that will benefit you and provide a higher quality of life, despite your affliction.
