Talking to Your Doctor

Talking to Your Doctor About Pneumonia

by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD

You have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor about your personal risk factors and/or experience with pneumonia. By talking openly and regularly with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care.

General Tips for Gathering Information

Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your doctor:

Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.
Write out your questions ahead of time, so you don't forget them.
Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification, if necessary.
Don't be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. You have a right to know.

Specific Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider

About Pneumonia

Do my symptoms suggest pneumonia?
How might I have contracted this infection?
Do my symptoms suggest a particular type of pneumonia?
Are you at all concerned about the oxygen level in my blood?
What symptoms might suggest that I’m developing a more severe case?
What symptoms might suggest that I’m developing complications?
Is my infection contagious?

About Your Risk of Developing Pneumonia

Do I have any other conditions that might increase my risk of pneumonia?
How can I decrease my risk of developing pneumonia?

About Treatment Options

Is this bacterial pneumonia? Will it respond to antibiotics?
Are there any new treatments for viral pneumonia?
What is likely to happen without treatment?
What medications are available to me?
- What are the benefits/side effects of these medications?
- Will these medications interact with other medications, over-the-counter products, or dietary or herbal supplements that I am already taking?
Are there any alternative or complimentary therapies that will help me?
Are there any comfort measures you can recommend?
Do I need hospitalization?

About Lifestyle Changes

Are there any lifestyle changes I should consider to recover more quickly from pneumonia or to prevent another outbreak?
Can you help me stop smoking?
Do I need to curtail any of my activities?
How will I know when I can resume my usual activities?

About Your Outlook

How long might this last?
Am I likely to develop complications?
Is this likely to happen again?

References

Community-acquired pneumonia in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.... Accessed November 10, 2019.

Community-acquired pneumonia in children. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.... Accessed November 10, 2019.

Tips for talking to your doctor. American Academy of Family Physicians Family Doctor website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed November 10, 2019.

Last reviewed January 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Last Updated:1/21/2020

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.