How to prepare for a video visit about Nausea and Vomiting

Audience: pediatric

Nausea and vomiting in children can be caused by many different things, such as infections, food reactions, or other health issues. Preparing well for a video visit with a healthcare provider can help them understand your child's symptoms and provide the best advice. During the visit, you may be asked about how long the symptoms have lasted, how often vomiting occurs, and if there are other signs like fever or dehydration. Having information ready about your child's recent meals, medications, and any other symptoms will be helpful. This guide explains how to get ready for the visit, what signs need urgent care, and what telemedicine can and cannot do for nausea and vomiting in children. Remember, if your child shows serious signs, seek in-person care immediately.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child shows signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, no tears when crying, or sunken eyes — seek emergency care immediately.
• Vomiting contains blood or looks like coffee grounds — get urgent medical help.
• Child has severe abdominal pain, high fever, difficulty breathing, or is very sleepy and hard to wake — go to emergency services right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessing mild to moderate nausea and vomiting symptoms.
• Providing advice on hydration and home care.
• Determining if in-person evaluation is needed.
• Answering questions about symptom management.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations requiring hands-on assessment.
• Ordering or conducting laboratory tests or imaging.
• Treating severe dehydration or complications.
• Diagnosing serious underlying conditions that require immediate intervention.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, including how long they have been feeling sick, how often they vomit, and if there are other symptoms like diarrhea, fever, or pain. They may also ask about your child's recent food intake, medication use, and any allergies. You might be asked to show your child on camera to check for signs like dehydration or distress.

How to Prepare for the Video Visit

Before the visit, gather important information such as your child's age, weight, recent meals, medications, and any other symptoms. Find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet connection. Have a list of questions or concerns ready to discuss. Keep a glass of water nearby in case your child needs to drink during the visit.

When to Seek Emergency Care

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

These signs require in-person evaluation.

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms, provide advice on home care, and decide if your child needs to see a doctor in person. However, it cannot perform physical exams, lab tests, or imaging studies needed to diagnose some causes of nausea and vomiting. If your child's condition is serious or unclear, in-person care will be necessary.

Tips for Comfort and Care at Home

Encourage your child to rest and sip small amounts of fluids to stay hydrated. Avoid giving solid foods until vomiting decreases. Use a cool, damp cloth on the forehead if there is a fever. Follow any advice given by your healthcare provider during the video visit.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit area with good internet connection for the video visit.
• Have your child's age, weight, and recent medical history ready.
• Note the timing, frequency, and appearance of vomiting episodes.
• Prepare a list of any other symptoms your child has, such as fever or diarrhea.
• Gather information about recent meals, medications, and allergies.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on fluid intake and diet.
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or new red flags.
• Keep a record of your child's symptoms and any treatments given.
• Schedule an in-person visit if recommended or if symptoms do not improve.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns after the video visit.

FAQs

Can I give my child medicine to stop vomiting before the video visit?

It is best to wait for advice from your healthcare provider before giving any medicine to stop vomiting, especially in young children. Some medicines may not be safe or appropriate without a proper diagnosis.

How can I tell if my child is dehydrated?

Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, no tears when crying, sunken eyes, fewer wet diapers or trips to the bathroom, and unusual sleepiness or irritability. If you notice these signs, seek medical care promptly.

What should I do if my child vomits after the video visit?

Continue to follow the care advice given during the visit. Offer small sips of fluids frequently and avoid solid foods until vomiting decreases. If vomiting continues or worsens, or if red flags appear, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care.

Is it safe to use telemedicine for my child's nausea and vomiting?

Telemedicine is a helpful way to get advice and assessment for mild to moderate symptoms. However, it cannot replace in-person care when serious symptoms or complications are present. Always seek emergency care if your child shows danger signs.

Sources

1. Nausea and Vomiting in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / NIH.
2. Vomiting in Children — Mayo Clinic.
3. Dehydration in Children — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Pediatric Vomiting: Clinical Overview — National Library of Medicine.

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