To get ready for your appointment with your healthcare provider:

• Write down how you feel, your symptoms, how long symptoms last, what makes your symptoms better or worse, and any concerns you have. Use a symptom tracker (PDF) to help you remember information about your symptoms.
• Make a list of your questions and concerns. When you’re done, mark the things that are most important to you.
• Make a list of all the prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take, take photos of your medicines on your phone, or plan to bring a bag with your medicines. Include any vitamins, supplements, ointments, herbs, and muscle stimulators.
• Ask someone you trust to go with you to your appointment. They can help you ask questions, write down instructions, and remember explanations.
• Bring a pen and paper and plan to write notes during the visit. Or you can record the conversation using your phone or an app like the Alberta Health Services My Care Conversations app.

Be ready to answer these questions to help your healthcare provider recommend the best treatment for you:

• Do you feel any pain or pressure in your face, around your eyes, or both?
• Is your nose blocked or runny? What colour is the mucus?
• Do you feel mucus draining from the back of your nose down your throat?
• Is your sense of smell affected?
• How long have you had the symptoms?
• Have your symptoms changed or gotten worse since they started?