How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Acute Bronchitis in Children

Audience: pediatric

Acute bronchitis is a common lung infection in children that causes coughing and breathing difficulties. Preparing for a video visit with a healthcare provider can help you get the most out of the appointment. This guide explains what information to gather, what to expect during the visit, and how telemedicine can help manage your child's symptoms. It also highlights important warning signs that need urgent medical attention. Remember, while telemedicine is a helpful tool, it is not a replacement for in-person care when your child’s health is at risk.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty breathing or very fast breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Lips or face appear blue or gray — call emergency services right away.
• High fever that does not improve with fever-reducing medicine — contact healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Review of symptoms and medical history for acute bronchitis.
• Providing advice on home care and symptom management.
• Determining if in-person care is needed based on symptom severity.
• Answering questions about typical illness course and treatments.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams requiring medical equipment like stethoscope.
• Administering emergency treatments or oxygen therapy.
• Diagnosing other serious conditions that require in-person tests.
• Prescribing controlled substances or treatments needing close monitoring.

What is Acute Bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the airways in the lungs. It often follows a cold or other respiratory infection. Children with acute bronchitis usually have a cough that lasts several days or weeks. They may also have a mild fever, tiredness, or trouble breathing. Most cases get better on their own without antibiotics.

How to Prepare for the Video Visit

Before your video visit, gather important information about your child's symptoms. Note when the cough started, how it has changed, and if your child has any other symptoms like fever or difficulty breathing. Have a list of any medicines your child is taking. Make sure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) is charged and has a good internet connection. Find a quiet, well-lit place for the visit where you can show the healthcare provider your child's breathing and cough.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

During the video visit, the healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms and medical history. They may ask you to show your child's breathing, listen to their cough, or check for signs of distress. The provider will give advice on how to manage symptoms at home and when to seek in-person care. They may also discuss treatments to help your child feel better.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Some signs mean your child needs urgent medical attention. These include:

If you see any of these signs, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Managing Acute Bronchitis at Home

Most children with acute bronchitis improve with rest, fluids, and medicine to reduce fever or pain. Avoid exposing your child to smoke or other irritants. Use a humidifier or steam to help with coughing if recommended. Follow the healthcare provider's advice carefully and watch for any changes in symptoms.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down when your child's cough and other symptoms started.
• Note any medicines your child is currently taking.
• Ensure your device is charged and connected to the internet.
• Find a quiet, well-lit area for the video visit.
• Have a list of questions or concerns ready to discuss.
• Be prepared to show your child's breathing and cough on camera.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on home care and medications.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely for any changes.
• Keep track of fever and breathing patterns.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear.
• Seek emergency care if red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can antibiotics help my child’s acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis in children is usually caused by viruses, so antibiotics often do not help. Your healthcare provider will advise if antibiotics are needed based on your child's condition.

How long does acute bronchitis last in children?

Cough and other symptoms of acute bronchitis typically last about 1 to 3 weeks. Some coughing may continue for a few weeks after other symptoms improve.

What can I do to help my child feel better at home?

Make sure your child rests and drinks plenty of fluids. Use fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if needed. Avoid smoke and irritants, and consider using a humidifier to ease coughing.

When should I call the doctor during the illness?

Contact your healthcare provider if your child has trouble breathing, a high fever that does not improve, is very sleepy, or if symptoms worsen or do not improve after a week.

Sources

1. Bronchitis in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Acute Bronchitis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Bronchitis - Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
4. Acute Bronchitis in Children: Diagnosis and Management — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child's symptoms are severe or worsen, seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare professional.