Do you like your doctor? That’s great. Let him or her know. On the other hand, do you have problems with your doctor? While that’s not so great, you’ve still got to let him or her — or at least your parents — know. The key to working successfully with your doctor is good communication. The fact is, your ability to exchange information with your doctor can mean the difference between being wheezy or well.

Doctor communications 101

Doctors have a full range of medical tests that help them diagnose and treat you, but they’re not mind readers. Much of their information has to come from you, the patient. Doctors get some of their best medical clues by asking detailed questions about your symptoms and activities — even if some of those questions seem a little wacky. (”Do you keep stuffed animals on your bed?”)

Doctors are trained to recognize patterns of symptoms that people without a medical background don’t always see. So the more completely you answer your doctor’s questions, the better he or she can evaluate your symptoms and prescribe the right treatment for you.

You have to keep your end of the bargain, too. Sometimes it’s hard for your doctor to know the right questions to ask, and it’s your job to fill in the blanks. Tell your doctor if:

• You experience any negative side effects from your medication (for instance, headaches, dizziness, nausea, or fatigue). He or she may be able to prescribe another medication instead. Don’t stop taking medications without talking to your doctor first — you may be exchanging uncomfortable side effects for severe asthma episodes.
• You seem to need more medication than your doctor has prescribed. Your doctor determined a dosage based on your needs, but needs can change over time. Your doctor may choose to prescribe a different medication or recommend changes in your asthma management plan. (You should always take your medication in the recommended dosages unless your doctor changes the prescription.)

In addition to answering your doctor’s questions and keeping track of any changes in your asthma symptoms, you should feel comfortable asking questions of your own. Many teens (not to mention adults) can feel shy or uncertain around their doctor, and instead of learning the information they need, they “chicken out” at the last minute. Try writing down your questions and handing them to your doctor at the beginning of your appointment. This helps take the spotlight off you, while at the same time allowing you to express your concerns. Writing questions down can also help you figure out why you may feel uncertain about a new treatment or medication.

If something is working well, tell your doctor. If something isn’t working, your doctor needs to know, too. “There is no need for you to suffer,” as the American Lung Association puts it, especially if your asthma management plan needs adjustment. Think of it this way: the better your communication, the better your treatment — and the less time you’ll have to spend at the doctor’s office in the first place.

This entry was posted on Saturday, April 28th, 2007 at 2:02 am and is filed under Teens. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.