How to prepare for an ENT appointment.

Start with the story you want to tell.

An appointment can feel short when you have months of experiences to explain. You do not need to arrive with a diagnosis or a perfectly organized folder. A few dated notes can help you describe what has been happening.

Write one or two sentences in your own words: “My nose feels blocked most days, and my sense of smell changed about two months ago.” Include what you most want help understanding.

1. Bring a simple symptom timeline.

Note when symptoms began, whether they are persistent or come in bouts, and whether there are clear intervals when you return to your usual. Use approximate dates when you do not remember exactly.

• Which symptoms you notice, and whether they affect one side or both.
• Changes in smell, nasal blockage, drainage, facial pressure, and headache, recorded separately.
• Effects on sleep, energy, concentration, and activities.
• Any major changes, procedures, or previous clinician assessments you want to discuss.

2. List what you already use.

Bring the names of prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, supplements, rinses, or sprays you currently use. Include the schedule as you actually follow it and, where possible, when it started or changed.

Photographs of packaging can help you remember product names. Avoid guessing an ingredient or dose. Your care team can help clarify uncertain information. Do not stop or change a treatment for the appointment unless the clinic or your clinician tells you to.

3. Choose the questions that matter most.

A short question list can help you return to your priorities during the conversation. Here are a few starting points to adapt:

• What might explain these symptoms, and what would help distinguish the possibilities?
• Does the change in my sense of smell need further assessment?
• Which details in my symptom history are most useful to track?
• How should I follow the plan we agree on, and when should we review it?
• What changes should prompt me to contact the clinic or seek urgent help?

You do not have to explain everything perfectly. Your lived experience is a useful place to start.

4. Check the practical details.

Ask the clinic which previous records are useful and how to send them securely. Depending on your history, they may want reports, previous imaging, allergy testing, or information from another clinician. Do not arrange tests yourself just to complete a checklist.

Confirm appointment time, referral requirements, accessibility needs, and any clinic-specific preparation. Consider bringing someone you trust if that would help you remember the conversation.

Leave with a plan in your own words.

Before the visit ends, ask about anything that is unclear. You can repeat the agreed next steps back in your own words and ask when a follow-up is needed.

AirBloom is being designed to help turn your own records into an editable visit summary. You will choose what to include and share. It is a way to prepare your story, not a clinical assessment.