Questions
Questions for your doctor
There is no question form on this site, and we do not give consultations. Instead, we have collected questions that will help you prepare for an appointment and not forget anything once you are in the consulting room.
A good question for your doctor is one you wrote down in advance. A lot slips your mind in the consulting room.
How this section works: the questions are meant for your own doctor, whether a GP, orthopaedic specialist, cardiologist or dermatologist, depending on the topic. Under each question we explain what information is worth bringing. The answers depend on your condition, and only a professional can give them after examining you.
About the heart and blood vessels
Is my resting pulse normal?
Over a few days, note what your pulse is in the morning when you are calm, and show the notes to your doctor. The general guide for adults is roughly 60–100 beats per minute, but only a doctor can assess it.
What level of activity suits my heart?
Describe how active you are now and how you manage climbing stairs or walking briskly. Your doctor will advise where it is safe to start.
Do I need any regular check-ups?
Ask which tests are appropriate for your age and family history. Find out beforehand from relatives whether there has been heart disease in the family.
Which sensations should I pay attention to?
Ask your doctor to explain which changes in how you feel need urgent help and which can wait for a routine appointment.
About bones and joints
Why does my back hurt after a day at work?
Describe where and when the pain appears, how you sit and how much you move. These details will help the doctor understand the cause.
Which movements are good for my joints?
Ask which kinds of activity suit you and what to avoid. Mention any past injuries.
How do bones change with age?
Find out what you can do to keep your bones strong at your age and whether any tests are needed.
Is it dangerous when my knees crack?
Say whether it comes with pain, swelling or stiffness. Painless clicks are often harmless, but that is for a professional to decide.
About the skin
How should I protect my skin from the sun?
Ask which kinds of protection suit your skin type and lifestyle, for example if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
Should I show you this mole?
Photograph the mole when you first notice it and again some time later, so the doctor can see whether it is changing.
Why has my skin become dry?
Explain when it started, what you wash with and how often you spend time in dry indoor air. Your doctor will help find the cause.
How does skin change with age?
Find out what everyday care is sensible at your age and which changes need a professional's attention.
See also
- Methods
How scientists studied the body in the past, how doctors look inside today, and what you can calmly observe yourself.
- Prevention
Everyday care for your joints and back: movement, posture, sleep and breaks, with no miracle cures.
- Topics
Organ systems by group: support and movement, blood and breathing, digestion, nerves and senses. Plus the article catalogue.
- Glossary
Anatomy and medical terms in plain English, from vertebra and tendon to ultrasound.
Sources
- Textbooks of human anatomy and physiology
- WHO reference materials on healthy living
This text reflects the generally accepted understanding of how the body works as of the date it was prepared. Human biology keeps refining the details, so take any questions about your own health to a doctor rather than relying on a reference article.