How to prepare for a video visit about Angioedema (Mild) - Triage

Audience: pediatric

Angioedema is swelling beneath the skin that often affects the face, lips, or around the eyes. Mild angioedema in children usually causes swelling without serious breathing problems. Preparing for a video visit can help your healthcare provider understand your child's symptoms and decide the best care. During the visit, you may be asked about when the swelling started, if there are any triggers like foods or medications, and if there are other symptoms such as itching or difficulty breathing. Mild angioedema often resolves with simple care, but it is important to watch for signs that need urgent attention. This guide helps you get ready for the video visit, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for angioedema, and know when to seek emergency care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing (stridor) — seek emergency care immediately.
• Swelling of the tongue, throat, or mouth that causes trouble swallowing — call emergency services.
• Rapidly spreading swelling or swelling accompanied by high fever — get urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Reviewing mild angioedema symptoms and history.
• Visual assessment of swelling via video.
• Providing advice on home care and monitoring.
• Determining if urgent in-person evaluation is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams that require touch or detailed airway assessment.
• Administering emergency treatments like epinephrine.
• Diagnosing severe or life-threatening angioedema remotely.
• Providing prescriptions for emergency medications without prior evaluation.

What is Mild Angioedema?

Mild angioedema is swelling under the skin that usually appears on the face, lips, or around the eyes. It is often caused by an allergic reaction, infection, or sometimes unknown reasons. The swelling may be uncomfortable but typically does not block breathing or cause severe symptoms in mild cases.

How to Prepare for Your Child's Video Visit

Before the visit, gather information about your child's symptoms. Note when the swelling started, where it is located, and any possible triggers like new foods, medications, or insect bites. Have a list of your child's current medicines and any allergies ready. Make sure your device has good internet connection and the camera is working so the healthcare provider can see the swelling clearly.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask questions about your child's symptoms and medical history. They may ask you to show the swollen areas on camera. They will check if your child can breathe normally and if there are any other symptoms like rash or fever. Based on this, they will suggest care steps or if your child needs to be seen in person.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If your child has trouble breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing, or if the swelling is spreading quickly, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. These are signs of a serious reaction that needs urgent treatment.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows you to connect with a healthcare provider quickly to discuss your child's mild angioedema. It can help decide if home care is enough or if your child needs to be seen in person. It is a safe and convenient way to get advice without traveling.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure a stable internet connection and a charged device with camera and microphone.
• Prepare a quiet, well-lit space for the video visit.
• Have a list of your child's current medications and allergies ready.
• Note the time when swelling started and any possible triggers.
• Be ready to show the swollen areas clearly on camera.
• Prepare to describe any other symptoms like fever, rash, or breathing difficulties.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the care advice given by the healthcare provider.
• Watch your child closely for any worsening symptoms or new red flags.
• Use prescribed medications as directed, if any are given.
• Keep a record of any changes in symptoms to report if needed.
• Seek in-person care if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.
• Schedule a follow-up appointment if recommended.

FAQs

What causes mild angioedema in children?

Mild angioedema can be caused by allergic reactions to foods, insect stings, medications, or sometimes infections. Sometimes, the exact cause is not known.

Can mild angioedema go away on its own?

Yes, mild angioedema often improves without treatment within a few days. However, monitoring for worsening symptoms is important.

When should I take my child to the emergency room?

Go to the emergency room if your child has trouble breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing, or if the swelling spreads quickly.

Can telemedicine replace in-person visits for angioedema?

Telemedicine can help assess mild cases and provide guidance, but it cannot replace in-person care if your child has severe symptoms or needs emergency treatment.

What should I do if my child has a known allergy that causes angioedema?

Follow your healthcare provider's allergy action plan, avoid known triggers, and seek medical advice promptly if swelling occurs.

Sources

1. Angioedema — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Angioedema — Mayo Clinic.
3. Allergic Reactions: Angioedema — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis — 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 has severe symptoms or you are concerned about their health, seek emergency or in-person medical attention immediately.