How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Croup - Triage

Audience: pediatric

Croup is a common childhood illness that causes a barking cough and noisy breathing due to swelling around the voice box and windpipe. Preparing for a video visit about croup can help you get the most from your appointment and ensure your child receives the right care. This guide explains what to expect during the visit, how to prepare, and when to seek urgent medical help. Telemedicine can often help assess mild to moderate symptoms, provide advice on home care, and decide if further treatment is needed. However, it cannot replace emergency care for severe breathing problems. Knowing the warning signs and having information ready for your healthcare provider will make the video visit smoother and safer for your child.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child struggling to breathe or breathing very fast – call emergency services immediately.
• Bluish or gray color around lips, face, or fingertips – seek urgent medical care.
• Drooling, difficulty swallowing, or refusing to drink fluids – go to emergency care promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate croup symptoms.
• Providing advice on home care and symptom management.
• Guidance on when to seek in-person or emergency care.
• Follow-up checks for symptom progression or improvement.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe breathing difficulty or respiratory distress.
• Signs of airway obstruction requiring emergency intervention.
• Drooling or difficulty swallowing indicating possible airway blockage.
• Severe lethargy or unresponsiveness needing urgent evaluation.

What is Croup?

Croup is an infection that causes swelling in the upper airway, leading to a distinctive barking cough and sometimes noisy or difficult breathing. It mostly affects children between 6 months and 3 years old but can occur in older children. Symptoms usually start like a common cold and can worsen at night. Most cases are mild and get better with home care, but some children may need medical attention.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit allows a healthcare provider to see your child’s breathing, cough, and overall condition without needing to visit a clinic in person. During the visit, the provider may ask about symptoms, observe your child’s breathing pattern, and give advice on managing symptoms at home. Telemedicine is useful for checking mild to moderate symptoms and deciding if your child needs to be seen in person or go to the emergency room.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before the appointment, make sure you have a quiet, well-lit space where your child can be calm. Have a list of symptoms ready, including when they started, how severe they are, and any treatments tried. Keep a thermometer nearby to check your child’s temperature. Have your child’s medical history and any medications they are taking ready to share. Make sure your device is charged and connected to the internet for a smooth video call.

What to Expect During the Visit

The healthcare provider will ask questions about your child’s cough, breathing, fever, and behavior. They may ask you to show your child breathing on camera, including listening for noisy breathing or watching for chest movements. The provider will guide you on how to care for your child at home or if you need to seek in-person care. They may also provide instructions on when to return for follow-up or emergency care.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If your child has any of the following signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

These signs mean your child needs urgent evaluation and treatment beyond what telemedicine can provide.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit room for the video visit.
• Have a thermometer ready to check your child’s temperature.
• Prepare a list of symptoms including onset, severity, and changes.
• Gather your child’s medical history and current medications.
• Ensure your device is charged and has a stable internet connection.
• Have a caregiver available to help hold the device or comfort your child if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on home care, such as using humidified air or fever reducers if recommended.
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or new red flags.
• Keep your child calm and hydrated as advised.
• Schedule follow-up visits if suggested by the provider.
• Seek emergency care immediately if any red flag signs develop after the visit.

FAQs

Can croup be treated at home?

Many mild cases of croup can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and keeping the air moist. However, always follow your healthcare provider’s advice and watch for signs that need urgent care.

What should I do if my child’s cough gets worse at night?

Croup symptoms often worsen at night. You can try sitting with your child in a steamy bathroom or using a cool-mist humidifier. If your child has trouble breathing or shows red flag signs, seek emergency care immediately.

Is croup contagious?

Yes, croup is usually caused by viruses and can spread through coughs, sneezes, or close contact. Good hand hygiene and keeping your child away from others when sick can help prevent spread.

When should I call the doctor after a video visit?

Contact your healthcare provider if your child’s symptoms worsen, new symptoms develop, or if you have concerns about their breathing or behavior after the visit.

Sources

1. Croup — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
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 evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If your child has severe symptoms or any red flags, seek emergency medical care immediately.