How to prepare for a video visit about Bronchiolitis (Infant) - Triage

Audience: adult

Bronchiolitis is a common lung infection in infants that causes swelling and mucus buildup in the small airways of the lungs. It often leads to cough, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Preparing well for a video visit with a healthcare provider can help you share important information about your infant’s symptoms and get the best advice. During the visit, the provider will ask about your baby's breathing, feeding, and behavior. They may guide you on how to care for your infant at home or whether urgent in-person care is needed. This guide helps you understand what to expect, how to prepare, and when to seek emergency help. Remember, telemedicine can support early assessment but is not a substitute for emergency care or physical exams when your infant is very sick.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Infant struggling to breathe, with fast or very labored breathing
• Blue or gray color around lips, face, or fingertips
• Infant is very sleepy, difficult to wake, or unresponsive

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of symptoms and history
• Guidance on home care and monitoring
• Advice on when to seek in-person care
• Answering questions about bronchiolitis

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination requiring hands-on assessment
• Emergency interventions for severe breathing difficulty
• Diagnostic tests such as chest X-rays or oxygen saturation measurements
• Treatment requiring hospital admission

What is Bronchiolitis in Infants?

Bronchiolitis is an infection that affects the smallest airways in a baby's lungs, usually caused by viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It often happens in infants under 2 years old, especially during colder months. Symptoms include cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, and sometimes fever. Most infants recover with home care, but some may need medical attention.

How to Prepare for the Video Visit

Before the video call, find a quiet, well-lit space where you can show your baby clearly. Have a list of symptoms ready, including when they started and how they have changed. Note your infant’s feeding patterns, sleep, and any breathing difficulties. Keep a thermometer handy to report any fever. Have your baby’s medical history and any medications available to share with the provider.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about your infant’s symptoms and may ask you to show your baby’s breathing and behavior on camera. They might guide you on how to check your baby's breathing rate and effort. Based on this, they will advise whether your infant can be cared for at home or needs urgent in-person evaluation.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

If your infant shows signs like difficulty breathing, lips or face turning blue, or is unusually sleepy and unresponsive, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. These signs require urgent in-person care and cannot be managed through telemedicine.

Tips for Home Care After the Visit

Follow the provider’s advice on feeding and keeping your baby comfortable. Use a cool-mist humidifier if recommended, and keep your infant away from smoke or strong odors. Monitor breathing and feeding closely, and watch for any worsening symptoms. Keep follow-up appointments as advised.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area for the video call
• Have your infant in your arms or nearby to show during the visit
• Prepare a list of symptoms with start dates and changes
• Measure and note your infant’s temperature if possible
• Have your infant’s medical history and current medications ready
• Ensure your device’s camera and microphone work properly

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s home care instructions carefully
• Monitor your infant’s breathing, feeding, and behavior regularly
• Use recommended tools like a humidifier if advised
• Keep emergency contacts and nearest hospital information handy
• Schedule any follow-up appointments as recommended
• Seek immediate care if red flag symptoms appear

FAQs

What causes bronchiolitis in infants?

Bronchiolitis is usually caused by viral infections, with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) being the most common. Other viruses can also cause it. These viruses lead to swelling and mucus buildup in the small airways of the lungs.

Can bronchiolitis be treated at home?

Many infants with bronchiolitis recover at home with supportive care, such as keeping them hydrated and comfortable. However, some infants may need medical evaluation to ensure they are breathing well and getting enough oxygen.

When should I take my infant to the emergency room?

If your infant has trouble breathing, is breathing very fast or with effort, has blue or gray lips or face, or is unusually sleepy and hard to wake, seek emergency care immediately. These signs mean your infant needs urgent medical attention.

How can I help my infant breathe easier at home?

You can help by keeping your infant calm, feeding smaller amounts more often if needed, and using a cool-mist humidifier if recommended. Avoid smoke and strong smells around your baby. Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice.

Is bronchiolitis contagious?

Yes, bronchiolitis is contagious because it is caused by viruses that spread through droplets when a sick person coughs or sneezes, or by touching contaminated surfaces. Good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with sick people can help prevent it.

Sources

1. Bronchiolitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Bronchiolitis in Children — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Bronchiolitis — Mayo Clinic.
4. Bronchiolitis — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your infant shows any emergency signs or if you have concerns, seek immediate medical attention.