What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Croup - Triage

Audience: adult

After a telemedicine visit for croup, you will usually receive advice on how to care for the person at home and when to seek further medical help. Croup is a common illness that causes a barking cough and noisy breathing, mostly in young children. Telemedicine providers often assess symptoms and decide if the illness can be safely managed at home or if urgent care is needed. You may be given instructions on how to ease breathing difficulties, such as using humidified air or keeping the child calm. Follow-up steps may include monitoring symptoms closely and knowing the signs that require emergency care. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool for initial assessment and guidance but does not replace in-person evaluation when symptoms worsen or new concerns arise.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing with fast or noisy breaths — seek emergency care immediately.
• Bluish color around lips, face, or fingertips — call emergency services right away.
• Drooling, difficulty swallowing, or inability to speak — go to the emergency room without delay.

What telemedicine can do

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

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations requiring hands-on assessment.
• Administering emergency treatments like nebulized epinephrine or oxygen therapy.
• Diagnosing complications or other serious illnesses that mimic croup.

Understanding Croup and Its Symptoms

Croup is an infection that causes swelling in the voice box and windpipe, leading to a distinctive barking cough and noisy breathing called stridor. It is most common in young children but can affect adults too. Symptoms often start like a cold and may worsen at night. Common signs include a hoarse voice, cough, and difficulty breathing.

What to Expect During Your Telemedicine Visit

During the telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will ask about symptoms, their duration, and severity. They may observe the breathing pattern and cough through video. This helps determine if the illness is mild and manageable at home or if urgent care is needed. The provider will give advice on home care and when to seek further help.

Home Care Tips After Your Visit

If the provider advises home care, you may be told to:

Medications like fever reducers may be recommended, but always follow the provider's instructions.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Some signs require immediate medical attention, including:

If any of these occur, seek emergency care promptly.

Follow-Up and Monitoring

After the telemedicine visit, keep track of symptoms. If the cough or breathing worsens, or if new symptoms develop, contact your healthcare provider again or visit an emergency facility. Follow any instructions given for follow-up visits or additional care.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a quiet, well-lit space for the telemedicine visit.
• Prepare to describe symptoms clearly, including when they started and how severe they are.
• Have a way to show the cough or breathing on video if possible.
• List any medications currently being used.
• Note any allergies or previous health conditions.
• Have a thermometer ready to report temperature if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the home care instructions given by the provider.
• Monitor the person’s breathing, alertness, and overall condition closely.
• Keep the environment calm and humidified if recommended.
• Use fever reducers if advised and ensure adequate fluid intake.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.
• Seek emergency care immediately if any danger signs develop.

FAQs

Can croup be treated at home after a telemedicine visit?

Yes, many cases of croup are mild and can be managed at home with proper care and monitoring. Your healthcare provider will guide you on how to do this safely.

When should I call emergency services for croup?

Call emergency services if the person has difficulty breathing, bluish lips or face, drooling or trouble swallowing, or becomes very sleepy or unresponsive.

Will the telemedicine provider prescribe medication for croup?

Providers may recommend over-the-counter fever reducers or other supportive treatments. Prescription medications are not always needed but may be advised if symptoms are severe.

Is croup contagious?

Yes, croup is usually caused by viruses that spread through coughing or sneezing. Good hygiene can help prevent spreading it to others.

How long does croup usually last?

Croup symptoms often improve within a few days but can last up to a week. If symptoms persist or worsen, follow up with your healthcare provider.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If symptoms worsen or you have concerns, seek direct evaluation from a healthcare professional.