What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Asthma (Mild Exacerbation) in Children

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for a mild asthma flare-up in a child, caregivers often receive guidance on managing symptoms at home. The healthcare provider may review the child's asthma action plan, suggest medications like inhalers, and explain how to use them properly. Follow-up steps usually include monitoring the child's breathing and symptoms closely. Caregivers might be advised to watch for warning signs that need urgent care. Telemedicine can help manage mild asthma episodes by providing timely advice and support, but it is important to know when in-person care is necessary. This approach helps keep children safe and comfortable while avoiding unnecessary hospital visits when possible.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty speaking or is too breathless to talk — seek emergency care immediately.
• Lips or face turn blue or gray — call emergency services right away.
• Child’s breathing becomes very fast, noisy, or chest pulls in with each breath — get urgent medical help.

What telemedicine can do

• Reviewing asthma symptoms and history for mild flare-ups
• Providing guidance on inhaler use and medication adjustments
• Educating caregivers on asthma action plans and trigger avoidance
• Monitoring symptom progress through follow-up calls or video visits

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe asthma attacks requiring immediate physical examination
• Administering emergency treatments like oxygen or nebulization
• Diagnosing other serious respiratory conditions
• Performing lung function tests that require specialized equipment

What to Expect Right After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your child's telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will likely summarize the advice given. This may include instructions on how to use inhalers or other medications, tips for avoiding asthma triggers, and when to seek more help. You may receive a written asthma action plan to guide you through managing symptoms at home.

Managing Mild Asthma Symptoms at Home

You can help your child by ensuring they take their medications as prescribed, often a quick-relief inhaler during flare-ups. Keep the environment free of smoke, dust, and strong smells. Encourage rest and hydration. Watch your child’s breathing and energy levels carefully.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider Again

If your child’s symptoms do not improve within a few hours, or if they worsen, contact your healthcare provider. They may recommend another telemedicine visit or an in-person evaluation. Keep track of symptoms and medication use to share during follow-up.

Preparing for Follow-Up Care

Your healthcare provider may schedule a follow-up telemedicine or in-person visit to reassess your child’s asthma control. Be ready to discuss any changes in symptoms, medication side effects, or new concerns. Having your child’s peak flow meter readings, if available, can be helpful.

Preventing Future Asthma Flare-Ups

Work with your provider to identify and avoid asthma triggers. Maintain regular use of controller medications if prescribed. Ensure your child has an updated asthma action plan and understands when to use it. Regular check-ups help keep asthma under control.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have your child’s current asthma action plan available.
• List all medications your child is taking, including doses and schedules.
• Prepare to describe your child’s symptoms clearly, including onset and severity.
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit space for the telemedicine visit.
• Have a peak flow meter ready if your child uses one.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the medication instructions provided during the visit.
• Monitor your child’s symptoms closely and record any changes.
• Avoid known asthma triggers in your child’s environment.
• Schedule and attend any recommended follow-up visits.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new concerns arise.

FAQs

Can telemedicine visits replace all asthma care for my child?

Telemedicine is helpful for managing mild asthma flare-ups and routine follow-ups, but it cannot replace emergency care or physical exams needed for severe symptoms. In-person visits are important for comprehensive asthma management.

What should I do if my child’s asthma symptoms get worse after the telemedicine visit?

If symptoms worsen, especially if your child has trouble breathing, cannot speak well, or shows blue lips or face, seek emergency medical care immediately. Contact your healthcare provider for advice if symptoms are concerning but not severe.

How can I prepare my child for a telemedicine visit?

Make sure your child is comfortable and in a quiet place. Have their medications, asthma action plan, and any monitoring devices ready. Be prepared to describe symptoms clearly and answer questions from the healthcare provider.

Will the healthcare provider prescribe medications during the telemedicine visit?

Often, yes. Providers may prescribe or adjust medications based on your child’s symptoms and history. They will explain how and when to use these medications properly.

How often should my child have follow-up visits for asthma?

Follow-up frequency depends on your child’s asthma control. Mild cases may need visits every few months, while more severe or unstable asthma requires more frequent monitoring. Your healthcare provider will guide you.

Sources

1. Asthma in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Asthma Care Quick Reference: Diagnosing and Managing Asthma — National Asthma Education and Prevention Program, NIH.
3. Managing Asthma — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Asthma in Children: Symptoms and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.

This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical care. Telemedicine guidance can help manage mild asthma symptoms but is not a substitute for in-person evaluation, especially in emergencies or severe cases. Always seek immediate medical attention if your child has serious breathing difficulties or other urgent symptoms.