Questions to ask about pneumonia
These questions may help you when you are talking about your pneumonia and your treatment with your doctor or nurse.
Finding out what's wrong (diagnosis)
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Can you tell me more about the tests or investigations you've offered me?
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What do these tests involve?
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Where will these be carried out? Will I need to have them in hospital?
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How long will it take to get the results of these tests?
About your condition
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Can you tell me more about pneumonia?
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Is pneumonia infectious and if so what can I do to stop other people catching it from me? Can I go to work or carry on with my usual activities?
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Are there any support organisations in my local area?
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Can you provide any information for my family or carers?
Treatment
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Can you tell me why you have decided to offer me this particular type of antibiotic?
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What are the pros and cons of this treatment?
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How long will I have to take it?
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How will it help me? What sort of improvements might I expect?
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How long will it take for me to feel better?
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Will these antibiotics cause any side effects?
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Are there any other treatments that I could have?
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Is there some other information about my treatment that I can have (like a leaflet, DVD or a website I can go to)?
For family members, friends or carers
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What can I/we do to help and support the person with pneumonia?
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Do I need to take any precautions to avoid catching pneumonia from my family member or friend?
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Is there any additional support that I/we as carer(s) might benefit from or be entitled to?
Following up on your treatment
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When should I start to feel better and what should I do if I don't start to feel better by then?
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Are there different treatments that I could try?
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If I've finished my course of antibiotics and don't feel better should I take them for longer?
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Am I likely to get pneumonia again?
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Can anything be done to stop it coming back?