What happens after a telemedicine visit for 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. After a telemedicine visit for bronchiolitis, caregivers usually receive advice on how to watch for signs of worsening breathing problems and how to care for the infant at home. The healthcare provider may recommend monitoring the baby's breathing rate, feeding, and activity levels closely. Often, treatment focuses on comfort measures such as keeping the infant hydrated and managing fever. If the infant shows signs of severe breathing difficulty, dehydration, or other danger signs, an in-person medical evaluation is usually needed. Telemedicine can help guide families on when to seek urgent care and provide reassurance, but it cannot replace hands-on examination or emergency treatment. Caregivers should follow the aftercare steps provided and contact healthcare services if red flags appear.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Infant has bluish or gray skin, lips, or nails — seek emergency care immediately.
• Breathing is very fast, labored, or the infant is struggling to breathe — call emergency services.
• Infant is not feeding, has fewer wet diapers, or is unusually sleepy or unresponsive — seek urgent medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild symptoms and guidance on home care.
• Education on symptom monitoring and when to seek in-person care.
• Follow-up advice for stable infants recovering at home.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency evaluation of severe breathing difficulty or dehydration.
• Physical examination needed to assess lung function or oxygen levels.
• Hospital admission or treatments such as oxygen therapy or intravenous fluids.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will likely give you specific instructions on how to care for your infant at home. This may include tips on feeding, keeping your baby comfortable, and monitoring breathing. You may be advised to watch for any changes or worsening symptoms and to keep track of your baby's temperature and hydration.

Monitoring Your Infant's Condition

It is important to watch your infant closely for signs such as rapid breathing, difficulty feeding, or unusual sleepiness. Keep a record of your baby's breathing rate and effort, and note any wheezing or coughing. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear, you should contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your infant shows danger signs like persistent high fever, bluish skin or lips, severe difficulty breathing, or dehydration (fewer wet diapers, dry mouth), you should seek immediate medical attention. Telemedicine cannot provide emergency treatment, so in-person evaluation is critical in these situations.

Typical Aftercare Steps

Follow the care instructions provided during your telemedicine visit. This often includes:

How Telemedicine Helps

Telemedicine allows you to get quick advice and guidance without leaving home. It helps you understand how to care for your infant and when to seek further care. However, it cannot replace physical exams, tests, or emergency treatment that may be necessary for bronchiolitis.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure a quiet, well-lit area for the telemedicine visit.
• Have your infant's medical history and current symptoms ready to share.
• Prepare to describe your infant's breathing pattern, feeding, and activity.
• Have a thermometer and a way to count breathing rate (e.g., watch or timer) available.
• Make sure your device is charged and connected to a stable internet connection.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions on feeding and hydration.
• Monitor your infant’s breathing rate and effort regularly.
• Use recommended methods to clear nasal congestion if advised.
• Keep track of your infant’s temperature and any changes in symptoms.
• Schedule follow-up visits or calls as recommended.
• Seek emergency care immediately if red flags appear.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose bronchiolitis in my infant?

Telemedicine can help healthcare providers assess symptoms and decide if your infant might have bronchiolitis. However, a full diagnosis often requires a physical exam and sometimes tests that can only be done in person.

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

If your infant shows signs of severe breathing difficulty, dehydration, or other red flags, seek emergency care immediately. Contact your healthcare provider for advice if symptoms are concerning but not urgent.

How can I help my infant feel better at home?

Keep your infant well hydrated, use a humidifier or nasal suction if recommended, manage fever with safe medications, and keep your baby comfortable and upright to ease breathing.

Is it safe to use fever medicine for my infant with bronchiolitis?

Fever medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be recommended to relieve fever and discomfort. Always follow the healthcare provider’s dosing instructions and check that the medicine is safe for your infant’s age.

When should I schedule a follow-up visit?

Your healthcare provider may suggest a follow-up visit if your infant’s symptoms do not improve or if you have concerns. Follow their guidance on timing and whether it should be in person or via telemedicine.

Sources

1. Bronchiolitis — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Bronchiolitis Clinical Overview — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Bronchiolitis in Children — Mayo Clinic.
4. Bronchiolitis: Diagnosis 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 infant shows any danger signs or if you have concerns, seek immediate medical attention.