Human lives are dependent on the health of a pair of lungs, which deliver oxygen to the cells and remove carbon dioxide from the body. Consequently, lung problems must be addressed promptly to avoid further complications and detect diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Individuals with symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, and chronic cough should see a pulmonologist for timely diagnosis and treatment. Here are some key questions to ask a pulmonologist:

What is causing my symptoms?
Understanding the underlying cause(s) of a problem is essential to figure out an effective treatment course with one’s pulmonologist. Sometimes, treatments may help address the symptoms but may not deal with the root cause, which may cause the disease to relapse. For example, living in a highly polluted region may have caused or contributed to one’s asthma, or an unhealthy lifestyle may have been a significant cause of a COPD diagnosis. Discussing one’s lifestyle, geographical area, genetic factors, etc., with a pulmonologist can help one identify the possible root cause of lung disease.

What are my treatment options, possible side effects, and best intervention?
Almost every treatment course may have some side effects. Individuals with certain lung conditions or weak immunities may not be able to withstand the side effects of certain treatments and might require a different approach. Therefore, it is important to discuss one’s history of health conditions and family history with a pulmonologist, understand any unusual side effects, and how these may be alleviated. If the treatment is too invasive or unsuitable, one should discuss other non-invasive options to heal from lung disease.

What is my prognosis?
While diagnosis refers to the nature of a disease, prognosis describes the course it is likely to take over time. Therefore, it is imperative to not only diagnose a condition but also discuss its prognosis with a pulmonologist. The prognosis may also differ based on factors such as one’s age, other health conditions, lifestyle, and immunity. A treatment course may be determined accordingly based on the prognosis.

What is the recovery rate and speed of the treatment option prescribed?
Different treatment options may have different recovery rates; understanding the process of recovery is essential to know where one is headed. A pulmonologist may be able to elaborate on the amount of time it would take for an intervention to bear positive outcomes and the precautions to be taken while undergoing the treatment.

What lifestyle changes are necessary for speedy recovery?
It is essential to discuss one’s current lifestyle – including meal plans, food habits, and exercise routines – with a pulmonologist and seek guidance on specific lifestyle changes that can aid in recovery. Patients must confide in the pulmonologist honestly about their routines and habits so that they can provide effective tips and recommendations on lifestyle changes.