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

Audience: pediatric

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. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help assess your infant's symptoms and decide if further care is needed. During the visit, you may be asked about your baby's breathing, feeding, and activity levels. Preparing well for the video visit helps your provider understand your infant's condition better. However, telemedicine cannot replace emergency care if your baby shows severe symptoms. Knowing the warning signs and when to seek immediate help is important for your child's safety.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Baby has difficulty breathing or very fast breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Baby's lips, face, or tongue turn blue or gray — call emergency services right away.
• Baby is unusually sleepy, hard to wake, or not feeding at all — get urgent medical help.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate bronchiolitis symptoms.
• Providing guidance on symptom monitoring and home care.
• Determining if urgent in-person evaluation is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe breathing difficulty requiring immediate intervention.
• Blue or gray discoloration of lips or face.
• Inability to feed or wake the infant.

What is Bronchiolitis in Infants?

Bronchiolitis is an infection that affects the smallest airways in a baby's lungs. It usually happens in infants under 2 years old. The infection causes swelling and mucus, making it harder for your baby to breathe. Common signs include coughing, wheezing, and fast or noisy breathing.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit lets your healthcare provider see your baby and ask questions about symptoms. They can check for signs of breathing difficulty and advise if your baby needs urgent care or can be managed at home. Telemedicine is useful for initial evaluation and guidance.

What to Prepare Before the Video Visit

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Warning Signs That Need Immediate Care

If your baby shows any of these signs, seek emergency care immediately:

These are serious symptoms that telemedicine cannot safely manage alone.

After the Video Visit

Follow your provider's advice carefully. This may include watching your baby closely at home, giving fluids, or using a humidifier. If symptoms worsen or new warning signs appear, seek in-person care promptly. Keep any follow-up appointments as recommended.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit room for the video visit.
• Have your infant's medical history and symptom details ready.
• Keep a thermometer nearby to measure your baby's temperature.
• Prepare to show your baby's breathing during the video call if asked.
• List any medications or treatments your baby is currently using.
• Ensure your device is charged and has a stable internet connection.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully.
• Monitor your baby's breathing, feeding, and activity closely.
• Use a humidifier or keep the air moist if recommended.
• Keep your baby hydrated with frequent feeding.
• Seek immediate care if any red flag symptoms develop.
• Schedule follow-up visits if advised by your provider.

FAQs

What symptoms of bronchiolitis should I watch for in my infant?

Common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, rapid or noisy breathing, difficulty feeding, and mild fever. If your baby struggles to breathe or becomes very sleepy, seek emergency care immediately.

Can bronchiolitis be treated during a video visit?

A video visit can help your healthcare provider assess your baby's symptoms and give advice on home care. However, severe cases usually require in-person evaluation and treatment.

How can I help my baby feel better at home?

Keep your baby comfortable and hydrated. Use a cool-mist humidifier to ease breathing if recommended. Avoid exposing your baby to smoke or strong smells. Follow your provider's advice closely.

When should I seek emergency care for my infant with bronchiolitis?

Seek emergency care if your baby has trouble breathing, lips or face turn blue or gray, is very sleepy or hard to wake, or is not feeding well.

Is bronchiolitis contagious?

Yes, bronchiolitis is caused by viruses that spread through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. 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 severe or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.