If your primary physician suspects that you may be suffering from a condition affecting your lungs, they’ll refer you to a pulmonology expert. This doctor will provide the specialized care you need. However, if you’ve never seen a pulmonologist before, you may wonder what the initial appointment will entail. The following points will clarify the issue, making you more comfortable as you start treatment.

3 Things to Expect at Your First Pulmonology Appointment

1. Medical History & Physical

At your first pulmonology appointment, the doctor will review your overall medical history, as well as any diagnosis offered by your primary physician. They’ll likely conduct a general physical examination as well. In addition to the typical procedures a doctor would perform during such an examination, they may perform a spirometry test—a test in which you inhale and exhale air into a device called a spirometer. This determines the amount of oxygen that can easily enter and exit your lungs.

2. Asthma Test

Often, the doctor will perform a bronchial provocation, especially if they suspect you may have asthma. During this test, you’ll inhale a chemical from an aerosol spray, and the doctor will monitor you to determine if you exhibit signs of a reaction. This test is designed to confirm whether or not you are suffering from asthma, helping the doctor rule out certain potential diagnoses.

3. Diagnosis

In some cases, a pulmonology specialist can provide an accurate diagnosis for your condition at the first appointment. They’ll recommend a course of treatment that, depending on your needs, may involve the use of prescription medication or follow-up appointments for specialized care.

However, it’s important to understand that conditions affecting the lungs are not always easy to diagnose initially. You may have to return to the doctor multiple times so they can perform additional tests. Make sure you keep these appointments so you can receive the proper diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible.

If you need a pulmonology specialist in the Mid-Willamette Valley region of Oregon, get in touch with the experts at Aumsville Medical Clinic, Part of Santiam Hospital. They’ll work hard to provide an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Visit them online for more information, or call (503) 769-2175 to speak with a representative today.