How to prepare for a video visit about Pneumonia (Suspected) - Triage

Audience: pediatric

If your child may have pneumonia, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help decide the next steps. Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs that can cause cough, fever, and trouble breathing. During the video visit, the provider will ask about symptoms, watch your child's breathing, and decide if urgent care or a clinic visit is needed. Preparing well for the visit helps the provider understand your child's condition better. This guide explains how to get ready, what to expect, and when to seek emergency care. Remember, telemedicine can support early evaluation but is not a replacement for in-person medical care when your child is very sick.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Your child is breathing very fast or struggling to breathe — seek emergency care immediately.
• Lips, face, or fingernails turn blue or gray — call emergency services right away.
• Your child is very sleepy, hard to wake, or unresponsive — get emergency help immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessing symptoms and severity of suspected pneumonia in children.
• Providing guidance on home care and monitoring.
• Determining if urgent in-person care is needed.
• Answering questions about pneumonia symptoms and treatment.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations like lung auscultation or chest X-rays.
• Administering emergency treatment or oxygen therapy.
• Diagnosing pneumonia definitively without in-person tests.
• Managing severe respiratory distress or emergency situations.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, such as cough, fever, and breathing problems. They may ask you to show your child's breathing pattern, listen for cough sounds, and check for signs like chest movement. They will decide if your child needs to be seen in person or if home care is appropriate for now.

How to Prepare for the Video Visit

Make sure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) is charged and connected to the internet. Have a quiet, well-lit place ready for the visit. Gather information like your child's recent temperature readings, any medications given, and notes about symptoms. Have a list of questions or concerns ready to discuss.

Signs You Should Seek Emergency Care Immediately

If your child has any of these signs, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room right away:

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do for Suspected Pneumonia

Telemedicine can:

Telemedicine cannot:

After the Video Visit: What to Do Next

Follow the healthcare provider's advice carefully. This may include giving medications, monitoring symptoms, and scheduling an in-person visit if needed. Keep track of any changes in your child's condition and seek immediate care if red flags appear. Stay in touch with your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Charge your device and ensure a stable internet connection.
• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the video visit.
• Have your child's recent temperature readings and symptom notes ready.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss.
• Ensure your child is nearby and comfortable during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully.
• Administer any recommended medications as directed.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely for any worsening signs.
• Schedule an in-person visit if advised by the provider.
• Seek emergency care immediately if red flags develop.

FAQs

Can a video visit diagnose pneumonia in my child?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and decide if your child needs to be seen in person, but it cannot definitively diagnose pneumonia without a physical exam and tests like a chest X-ray.

What should I do if my child’s breathing gets worse after the video visit?

If your child’s breathing worsens, especially if they have trouble breathing, fast breathing, or blue lips, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Is it safe to treat pneumonia at home?

Many mild cases of pneumonia can be managed at home with proper care and medications. Your healthcare provider will guide you on when home care is appropriate and when to seek further care.

How can I help my child feel more comfortable during illness?

Ensure your child rests, stays hydrated, and takes any prescribed medications. Use a humidifier or warm fluids to ease cough and breathing discomfort, but always follow your provider’s advice.

Sources

1. Pneumonia — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Pneumonia in Children — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Pneumonia - Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
4. Pneumonia — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

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