How to prepare for a video visit about Gastritis (Acute) in children

Audience: pediatric

Acute gastritis is a condition where the stomach lining becomes inflamed, often causing stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting in children. Preparing for a video visit with a healthcare provider can help you get the most from the appointment. During the visit, the provider will ask about your child's symptoms, medical history, and any recent events that might have caused the stomach irritation. They may offer advice on managing symptoms, recommend tests, or suggest treatments. Telemedicine allows you to discuss concerns safely and conveniently, but it cannot replace in-person exams if your child's condition is severe or worsening. Knowing what to expect and having information ready will help the provider give the best care possible.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has severe or worsening abdominal pain — seek emergency care immediately.
• Vomiting blood or having black, tarry stools — go to the nearest emergency room.
• Signs of dehydration such as very dry mouth, no tears when crying, or very few wet diapers — get urgent medical help.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to acute gastritis.
• Providing advice on symptom management and home care.
• Determining if further testing or in-person care is needed.
• Answering questions about medications and diet.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams that require hands-on assessment.
• Administering emergency treatments or procedures.
• Diagnosing conditions that need laboratory or imaging tests without in-person evaluation.
• Managing severe dehydration or bleeding that require immediate hospital care.

What is Acute Gastritis?

Acute gastritis is when the lining of the stomach becomes irritated or inflamed quickly. This can happen because of infections, certain medications, stress, or eating spicy or acidic foods. In children, it may cause belly pain, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.

What to Expect During Your Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, how long they have lasted, and any other health issues. They may ask about recent illnesses, medications, or food eaten. You might be asked to show your child's belly or describe how they feel. The provider will guide you on next steps, which may include home care advice or further tests.

How to Prepare for the Video Visit

Before the visit, write down your child's symptoms and when they started. Have a list of any medicines your child is taking. Make sure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) is charged and has a good internet connection. Find a quiet place where you can talk without interruptions. Have a pen and paper ready to take notes.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child has severe belly pain, repeated vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, high fever, or signs of dehydration (like very dry mouth, no tears when crying, or fewer wet diapers), seek emergency care immediately. These signs mean your child needs urgent medical attention beyond a video visit.

Managing Symptoms at Home

Often, mild gastritis can be managed with rest, drinking clear fluids, and avoiding spicy or acidic foods. Your provider may suggest over-the-counter medicines to reduce stomach acid. Follow their instructions carefully and watch for any worsening symptoms.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your child's symptoms and when they started.
• List any medications or supplements your child is taking.
• Ensure your device is charged and connected to the internet.
• Choose a quiet, well-lit place for the video call.
• Have a list of questions or concerns ready to discuss.
• Keep a pen and paper nearby to take notes.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on diet and medications.
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or new red flags.
• Schedule follow-up visits if recommended.
• Keep track of your child's symptoms and any changes.
• Contact your provider if you have questions or concerns after the visit.

FAQs

What causes acute gastritis in children?

Acute gastritis can be caused by infections (like viruses or bacteria), certain medicines (such as pain relievers), stress, or eating irritating foods. Sometimes, it happens after an illness or stomach upset.

Can I treat my child's gastritis at home?

Mild cases can often be managed with rest, plenty of fluids, and avoiding spicy or acidic foods. Your healthcare provider may suggest medicines to reduce stomach acid. Always follow their instructions and watch for worsening symptoms.

When should I take my child to the emergency room?

If your child has severe belly pain, vomits blood, has black or bloody stools, shows signs of dehydration (like very dry mouth or no tears when crying), or has a high fever, seek emergency care immediately.

Will my child need tests during the video visit?

The provider may recommend tests if symptoms are severe or do not improve. These tests usually require an in-person visit to a clinic or hospital.

Is telemedicine safe for my child's stomach problems?

Telemedicine is a safe and convenient way to discuss symptoms and get advice. However, it cannot replace in-person exams when your child needs urgent or detailed physical assessment.

Sources

1. Gastritis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Gastritis: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Acute Gastritis — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.
4. When to Seek Emergency Care for Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child's symptoms are severe or worsening, seek immediate medical attention.