Be specific about asking. If you don’t have a question mark somewhere in what you’re saying then you’re not asking a question. If you don’t have a question mark somewhere then there’s no expectation of a response. Does that make sense? ;)
Spend a moment thinking about what you actually want an answer to. Don’t waste people’s time with an “XY problem”.
Lastly, I keep in mind the idea of reversing the situation. How would I feel if someone were to come to me with this question? Would I feel bothered? Would I be annoyed? Most likely no, I LOVE helping with stuff, especially if it’s in a field of my interests. And if I’m being asked about it there’s a good chance it is. :D