How to prepare for a video visit about Croup - Triage

Audience: adult

Croup is a common respiratory condition that often affects children but can sometimes occur in adults. It causes swelling around the voice box and windpipe, leading to a distinctive barking cough and sometimes difficulty breathing. Preparing for a video visit about croup can help you get the most from your telemedicine appointment. This guide explains what to expect, how to prepare, and when to seek emergency care. Telemedicine can help assess symptoms, provide advice, and guide next steps, but it cannot replace in-person exams or emergency treatment when needed. Knowing the warning signs and having information ready for your healthcare provider will make your video visit smoother and safer.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing with chest retractions or noisy breathing (stridor) at rest — seek emergency care immediately.
• Blue or gray color around lips, face, or fingertips — call emergency services right away.
• Inability to swallow saliva or excessive drooling — get urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate symptoms.
• Providing advice on symptom management at home.
• Determining if in-person care is needed.
• Answering questions about croup and its course.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency treatment for severe breathing difficulty.
• Physical examination requiring medical devices.
• Administration of medications like nebulized epinephrine or oxygen therapy.
• Diagnosing other conditions that mimic croup without in-person evaluation.

What is Croup?

Croup is an infection that causes swelling in the upper airway, including the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea). This swelling leads to a distinctive barking cough, hoarseness, and noisy breathing called stridor. It is most common in young children but can occasionally affect adults. Symptoms often start like a cold and can worsen at night.

How Telemedicine Can Help

During a video visit, a healthcare provider can observe your or your child's breathing, cough, and overall condition. They can ask about symptoms, duration, and any other health concerns. They may offer advice on managing mild symptoms at home and tell you when to seek in-person care. Telemedicine is useful for initial assessment and follow-up but has limits.

What Telemedicine Cannot Do

A video visit cannot replace a physical exam, especially if breathing is difficult. It cannot provide emergency treatments like oxygen, steroids, or nebulized medications that may be needed in severe cases. If symptoms are severe or worsening, an in-person evaluation or emergency care is necessary.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

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Red Flags: When to Seek Emergency Care

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If any of these occur, seek emergency medical care immediately rather than waiting for a video visit.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the healthcare provider's advice carefully. This may include:

Keep the contact information of your healthcare provider handy for follow-up questions.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area with a stable internet connection.
• Have a device with camera and microphone ready and charged.
• Prepare to describe symptoms clearly: cough type, breathing difficulty, fever, duration.
• Have a list of current medications available.
• If possible, have another person assist with showing breathing during the video.
• Write down any questions or concerns before the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions for symptom management.
• Monitor for worsening symptoms or new red flags.
• Schedule an in-person visit if advised or if symptoms do not improve.
• Keep emergency contact numbers accessible.
• Maintain hydration and rest as recommended.

FAQs

What causes croup?

Croup is usually caused by a viral infection that leads to swelling in the upper airway. Common viruses include parainfluenza virus and others that cause cold-like symptoms.

Is croup contagious?

Yes, the viruses that cause croup can spread through coughs, sneezes, or close contact with an infected person. Good hygiene helps reduce spread.

Can adults get croup?

While croup is more common in children, adults can sometimes develop similar symptoms, though it is less frequent and usually less severe.

How is croup treated?

Mild cases often improve with home care like humidified air and fluids. More severe cases may need medical treatments such as steroids or nebulized medications.

When should I go to the emergency room?

Go to the emergency room if there is difficulty breathing, blue or gray lips, inability to swallow, or if your child or you become very agitated or unusually sleepy.

Sources

1. Croup — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / NIH.
2. Croup: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Croup — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis) — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you care for has severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.