Going to your first asthma appointment can be daunting, especially when you are young, and you aren’t sure about the status of your condition. One of the many advantages of visiting the top-voted pediatric pulmonologist in the area is that you can learn a lot about your diagnosis after an easy, one-on-one appointment. During your time with Dr. Mayank Shukla, you will learn everything there is to know about asthma and how it might be affecting your body.
Top 4 Steps for Preparing for an Asthma Appointment
There are a few things you can do to get ready for your appointment so it doesn’t seem as overwhelming during your actual visit. Below, we will help you get ready by listing the top 5 steps for preparing for an asthma appointment.
Write Down All of Your Questions
Your first appointment with Dr. Mayank Shukla may not be very long, so it’s a good idea to show up with a list of questions you have already thought about ahead of time. You might be wondering things such as:
- What exactly is asthma?
- What kinds of tests will you be giving me?
- Does asthma last forever?
- Does asthma explain why I am having trouble breathing?
- What do I need to do to treat asthma at home?
The doctor will be able to answer your questions by explaining what your breathing problems are all about and what treatment options are available. You will work together to come up with a solution that works best.
Take Note of Your Symptoms
It’s time to make another list! This time, make sure that you write down all of the things that have been bothering you about breathing. For example, you may feel shortness of breath when you stand up or when you run. You might have trouble sleeping because you can’t breathe well when you lie down. Or maybe you find yourself coughing and wheezing a lot because your lungs just won’t open up all the way.
Dr. Mayank Shukla will help you figure out a way to treat all of your asthma symptoms without causing you any pain. You will learn how to take care of yourself in ways that will help you breathe better over time.
Talk About What to Expect
If you are a child who is about to have your first asthma appointment, you might be feeling scared. Since your parent or guardian is going with you, you can ask them all about what the experience is going to be like. Knowing what kind of conversation you will have with the doctor can help you feel more comfortable when receiving treatment. And just like your list of questions for the doctor, the doctor may also have a list of questions for you as well. For example, how long have you been struggling to breathe? Does anything help you breathe better?
Take Your Medicine
If the doctor does diagnose you with asthma, you may be sent home with an inhaler. This is a small device that pushes a small puff of air into your mouth, helping to open up the airways in your throat. You may need to use your inhaler every day, or you can use it when you are struggling to breathe. As long as you communicate with your doctor, you will be able to see an improvement in your symptoms.
Get Expert Pediatric Pulmonology Care from Dr. Mayank Shukla Today
If you are having trouble breathing and need help from a doctor that kids and parents alike can trust, come and visit our top-rated pediatric pulmonologist for Babylon and Brentwood. Dr. Mayank Shukla offers a wide range of asthma treatments for kids, helping to diagnose and improve breathing conditions in loved ones of all ages. Get in touch with us today to schedule a one-on-one appointment.
