First Time Appointment with Pulmonologist

My daughters both have severe asthma and allergies. They have seen a pulmonologist for many years. My oldest was 4 when she was diagnosed and my youngest daughter was diagnosed at age 2 after she had RSV. They are now 8 and 6 years old.

They typically start the first appintment like any other Dr. appt. Height, weight, temp. Then they will usually do a lung test. Our doctor has a machine that hooks up to a computer, the kids have a mouth peice to blow into and on the computer it shows candles, their job is to try and blow out as many candles as they can in one breath. Then they go get an albuterol nebulizer treatment and repete the test. The doctor will explain the lung compasity and function based on the results. Some times more testing is needed, such as an x-ray or depending on what respiratory condition even a lung biopsy. Thats usually just for children with severe breething difficultys.

My girls both take a varity of medications to controll and treat their symptoms and conditions. Through out the year as the seasons change so do their medications.

I have found that typically ped. specalists explain in detail the treatment plans and follow up plans with me. My kidos have a varity of medical conditions that require many specalists, if that is the case for you as well I might ask the Doctor how willing they are to conference with your childrens other specalists for treatment plans. I find it very important to have all of my kids doctors in the loop on all of their treatments. For instance my little girls gastro issues greatly affect her asthma issues and her asthma issues affect her skin issues, so it is important for her dermatologist, gastro., and pulmomologist to be on the same page.

Adults are different, I see a pulmonologist for myself as well. Due to (massive bo-lateral pulmonary embolisms) massive blood clots in my lungs. I get totally different treatments and testing. I actually find my kids Dr.'s to be more through in explaining treatments than my own. I usually find myself asking whay is this test being done or why is this medication being added, where as the kids Dr. usually offers up information packets and different options.

Most importantly if you do not feel comfortable with the kids pulmonologist you have the right to ask for a different Dr. Think of Dr.'s as your employees, they are there to serve you and your child. If your not happy with any of your care, fire them. Best of luck with your appt. !! :)

A pulmonologist measures lung capacity. With me they had me blow alot short and long etc. toddlers I don't know how they test. Test is nothing to worry about. Ask him if he is giving him short term or long term inhalers or both. if he gives him xopenex ask him what to do if he gets evil xopenex will do this with some people. ask when he needs his albuterol what to watch for same with breathing treatments.
Ask if you need to change your enviroment ex get rid of pets, pillow encasings, hepa allergy free laundry soap or anything like that. He should volunteer most info you need I basically got a class from mine. The inhalers hype them up and they sleep alot if they need the inhaler ask him if I am right.

Please know there are other choices for eczema & asthma that are natural and curative. These medications only suppress the symptoms and weaken the body. I'm sorry if you believe in this form of treatment, but I owe it to you to see this 'crystal ball', which is that myself and other natural practitioners see so many children many years later after just this history of treatment who are very, very ill...then it is the last resort and difficult to undo all of the suppression the medications and prolonged illness caused.
There is still the chance to resolve these issues and not go down that road.
Just do a little research into homeopathy, acupuncture, cranial sacral and nutrition. :)
Best wishes,
Liz

I like to take the natural route when possible. I will message you some websites to help

M.