What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Acute Diarrhea in Children

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for acute diarrhea in children, parents can expect clear guidance on how to care for their child at home. The healthcare provider will usually review symptoms, suggest ways to keep your child hydrated, and recommend dietary adjustments. They may also provide advice on when to seek further care if symptoms worsen or do not improve. Often, no immediate in-person visit is needed unless warning signs appear. Follow-up instructions might include monitoring for dehydration, fever, or blood in the stool. This approach helps manage most cases safely while avoiding unnecessary clinic visits. Remember, telemedicine advice supports but does not replace in-person medical care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child shows signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, no tears when crying, or sunken eyes — seek urgent medical care.
• Child has persistent vomiting and cannot keep fluids down — go to an emergency facility.
• Presence of blood in stool or high fever over 39°C (102°F) — contact healthcare provider immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of mild to moderate diarrhea symptoms in children.
• Providing advice on hydration and nutrition at home.
• Guidance on symptom monitoring and when to seek further care.
• Reviewing medication use and safety.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe dehydration requiring intravenous fluids.
• Persistent high fever or bloody diarrhea needing physical examination.
• Emergency situations such as lethargy or seizures.
• Diagnostic testing that requires sample collection or imaging.

What to Expect Immediately After Your Telemedicine Visit

Your healthcare provider will summarize the key points discussed during the visit. This typically includes how to keep your child hydrated, signs to watch for, and any medications or treatments recommended. They may send a summary or care plan via email or patient portal for you to review at home.

Hydration and Nutrition Guidance

Keeping your child hydrated is the most important step. Providers often recommend giving oral rehydration solutions or clear fluids in small, frequent amounts. Avoid sugary drinks or sodas. You may be advised to continue feeding your child their usual diet or follow a bland diet depending on their symptoms.

Monitoring Symptoms at Home

You will be asked to watch for certain symptoms such as increased diarrhea, vomiting, signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, sunken eyes), high fever, or blood in the stool. Keeping a symptom diary can help track changes and guide follow-up care.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child develops warning signs like persistent vomiting, inability to drink fluids, severe abdominal pain, or lethargy, you should seek in-person medical care promptly. Your provider will explain these red flags during the visit and in aftercare instructions.

Follow-Up and Additional Testing

Most children with acute diarrhea improve without further testing. However, if symptoms persist beyond a few days or worsen, your provider may recommend an in-person exam or stool tests to identify infections or other causes.

How to Prevent Spread and Support Recovery

Good hand hygiene and cleaning surfaces help prevent spreading infections. Encourage rest and avoid exposure to others while symptoms last. Your provider may also discuss vaccination or other preventive measures if relevant.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your child's symptoms ready, including duration and severity.
• Note any recent travel, food intake, or contact with sick individuals.
• Prepare a list of current medications and allergies.
• Ensure a reliable internet connection and a quiet space for the visit.
• Have a way to measure your child's temperature and note fluid intake/output if possible.

After your tele-visit

• Follow hydration and dietary advice provided by the healthcare provider.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely and note any changes.
• Keep emergency contact numbers handy in case red flags appear.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Maintain good hygiene practices to prevent spread of infection.

FAQs

Can I give my child over-the-counter medicines for diarrhea after the telemedicine visit?

You should only give medicines recommended by your healthcare provider. Some over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medicines are not safe for young children and may cause harm.

How long does acute diarrhea usually last in children?

Acute diarrhea often improves within a few days, typically less than a week. If diarrhea persists beyond 7 days or worsens, you should contact your healthcare provider.

Is it safe to continue breastfeeding or formula feeding during diarrhea?

Yes, it is usually safe and recommended to continue breastfeeding or formula feeding to keep your child nourished and hydrated.

When should I schedule a follow-up telemedicine visit?

If your child's symptoms do not improve within 48 to 72 hours or if new symptoms develop, contact your healthcare provider to arrange a follow-up visit.

Can telemedicine providers prescribe antibiotics for diarrhea?

Antibiotics are not usually needed for most cases of acute diarrhea and are prescribed only if a bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed.

Sources

1. Diarrhea in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Acute Diarrhea: Management in Children — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Diarrhea in Children: Symptoms and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
4. Managing Acute Diarrhea in Children — 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 child’s symptoms worsen or you have concerns, seek immediate medical attention.