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If you have signs that might be compatible with COPD, it is important to see a doctor. They can figure out what is wrong, start a treatment plan, or send you to a specialist if needed. This guide will help you get ready for your first visit so you can make the most of it.
It can be helpful to bring someone with you, like a family member or friend. They can ask questions you might forget, write down important information, and help you remember what the doctor says. If you feel nervous or overwhelmed, having someone with you can also help you feel supported. You can also ask permission to record the consultation on your mobile phone, so you don’t forget anything. Here you’ll find a guide to prepare for your first consultation.
We’ve also developed a separate patient guide to help you get ready for your next visit with your doctor (follow-up). It explains when to see your doctor, helps you reflect on your health, decide what’s important to you to discuss, and check how well your treatment is working—including both benefits and any side effects. It also reminds you what items to bring to your follow-up appointment. By preparing, you can feel more confident, use your time with your doctor efficiently, and take charge of your health.
Sometimes, your doctor might ask you to fill out a survey to understand your symptoms better. These surveys help your doctor see how your condition is affecting you.
For COPD, the most common tools are the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale. The CAT measures how much COPD influences your daily activities and overall well-being, while the mMRC scale helps assess the level of breathlessness you experience during everyday tasks.
Another useful tool to consider before your appointment is a COPD symptom diary. Even though a symptom diary hasn’t been formally studied in research, it may still help you remember how you felt at different times and make it easier to discuss your COPD with your doctor. Your healthcare provider will work with you to review your symptoms and to adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. EUFOREA is not a medical organisation and cannot provide specific medical advice to patients via the Internet and/or E-mail. All patients are encouraged to direct their specific questions to their personal physicians. EUFOREA presents this information to patients so that patients can understand and participate in their own medical care. EUFOREA strongly emphasises that the information contained on this website is not a substitute for thorough evaluation and treatment by a qualified healthcare provider.
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