Red flags & when to go in person for Asthma (Mild Exacerbation) in Children

Audience: pediatric

Asthma is a common condition in children that can cause breathing difficulties. A mild asthma exacerbation means symptoms like wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath have worsened but are usually manageable at home. Telemedicine can help families understand when to use inhalers and monitor symptoms. However, some signs mean your child needs to be seen in person quickly. These include trouble speaking or walking due to breathlessness, lips or face turning blue, or if usual medicines do not help. Knowing these red flags helps keep your child safe. Telemedicine visits can guide you on daily care and when to seek emergency help, but they cannot replace urgent physical exams or treatments. Always prepare for tele-visits by having your child's inhaler and symptom notes ready. After the visit, follow the care plan and watch for worsening symptoms. This guide helps families use telemedicine wisely and keep children with asthma safe.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty speaking or walking due to breathlessness — seek emergency care immediately.
• Lips, face, or nails turn blue or gray — call emergency services right away.
• No improvement after using quick-relief inhaler — go to the nearest healthcare facility.

What telemedicine can do

• Reviewing mild asthma symptoms and medication use.
• Providing guidance on inhaler technique and asthma triggers.
• Advising when to seek in-person or emergency care.
• Answering general questions about asthma management.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical lung examinations.
• Administering emergency treatments like oxygen or nebulizers.
• Diagnosing severe or life-threatening asthma exacerbations.
• Evaluating other causes of breathing difficulty that require in-person tests.

Understanding Mild Asthma Exacerbation in Children

A mild asthma exacerbation means your child's asthma symptoms have become worse than usual but are not severe. Symptoms may include increased coughing, wheezing, or feeling short of breath. These episodes often respond well to quick-relief inhalers and rest. Monitoring symptoms closely is important to prevent worsening.

Recognizing Red Flags That Need In-Person Care

Certain signs mean your child needs urgent in-person medical attention:

If you notice any of these, seek emergency care immediately.

What Telemedicine Can Help With

Telemedicine can assist with:

It allows quick access to healthcare advice without leaving home.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Asthma Exacerbations

Telemedicine cannot:

In-person evaluation is necessary if symptoms worsen or red flags appear.

Preparing for Your Child's Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit:

This helps the healthcare provider give the best advice.

Aftercare Following a Telemedicine Visit

After the visit:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have your child's quick-relief inhaler and spacer ready.
• Write down recent symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, and activity level.
• Note any asthma triggers or recent exposures.
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit space with a reliable internet connection.
• Have a list of your child's current medications available.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions on medication use.
• Monitor your child's breathing and symptom changes closely.
• Avoid known asthma triggers such as smoke or allergens.
• Seek in-person care if red flags or worsening symptoms appear.
• Schedule follow-up appointments as recommended.

FAQs

Can telemedicine help if my child's asthma symptoms get worse?

Telemedicine can help assess mild symptom changes and guide you on home care or when to seek in-person care. However, if symptoms worsen significantly or red flags appear, your child should be seen in person immediately.

What should I do if my child's quick-relief inhaler does not help?

If your child's symptoms do not improve after using their quick-relief inhaler, this is a red flag. Seek emergency medical care right away as they may need urgent treatment.

How can I prepare for a telemedicine visit about my child's asthma?

Before the visit, have your child's inhaler nearby, note recent symptoms and triggers, and be ready to describe their breathing and activity levels. This information helps the healthcare provider give accurate advice.

Is telemedicine a replacement for regular asthma check-ups?

Telemedicine can supplement regular care but is not a full replacement. Routine in-person visits are important for physical exams and lung function tests.

When should I call emergency services for my child's asthma?

Call emergency services if your child has trouble speaking or walking due to breathlessness, their lips or face turn blue or gray, or if they do not improve after using their quick-relief inhaler.

Sources

1. Asthma in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / NIH.
2. Asthma Care Quick Reference: Diagnosing and Managing Asthma — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Asthma in Children: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
4. Asthma Exacerbations: Recognition and Management — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child experiences severe symptoms or red flags, seek emergency medical attention immediately.