Red flags & when to go in person for Pneumonia (Suspected) - Triage

Audience: adult

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause symptoms like cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. While some cases are mild and can be managed at home, pneumonia can become serious and require urgent medical care. Telemedicine can help you understand your symptoms and decide if you need to see a healthcare provider in person. This guide explains warning signs (red flags) that mean you should seek immediate in-person care, what telemedicine can and cannot do for suspected pneumonia, and how to prepare for a telehealth visit. Remember, if you experience severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, chest pain, or confusion, it is important to get emergency care right away. Telemedicine is a helpful tool for education and initial assessment but does not replace a physical exam or tests that may be needed to diagnose and treat pneumonia properly.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath worsening rapidly — seek emergency care immediately.
• Severe or persistent chest pain — get urgent medical evaluation in person.
• Confusion, difficulty waking, or severe drowsiness — call emergency services right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and education about pneumonia.
• Guidance on when to seek in-person or emergency care.
• Advice on home care for mild symptoms.
• Answering questions about pneumonia prevention and general health.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination including lung auscultation.
• Ordering or interpreting chest X-rays and laboratory tests.
• Administering emergency treatments or oxygen therapy.
• Prescribing certain antibiotics or treatments without in-person evaluation when required.

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. These air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough, fever, chills, and trouble breathing. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Pneumonia can affect people of all ages but is more serious in older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.

Common Symptoms of Pneumonia

Symptoms often include:

Symptoms can develop quickly or over a few days.

When to Seek In-Person Care (Red Flags)

Certain signs mean you should get medical help right away:

If you have any of these symptoms, go to an emergency room or call emergency services immediately.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can:

Telemedicine providers can review your history and symptoms to support decision-making.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Pneumonia

Telemedicine cannot:

If pneumonia is suspected, you may need to visit a healthcare facility for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit, prepare to:

This helps the provider assess your condition better.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow these steps:

Keep a record of your symptoms and any changes to share with your healthcare provider if needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your symptoms and when they started.
• Have your medical history and current medications ready.
• Measure your temperature with a thermometer.
• If available, check your oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter.
• Find a quiet, well-lit place with a good internet or phone connection.
• Prepare to describe your breathing and any chest discomfort clearly.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice and treatment plan.
• Monitor your symptoms closely for any worsening.
• Seek immediate in-person care if red flags develop.
• Take prescribed medications exactly as directed.
• Rest, stay hydrated, and avoid smoking or irritants.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if recommended.

FAQs

Can pneumonia be diagnosed through a telemedicine visit?

Pneumonia usually requires a physical exam and chest X-rays to diagnose accurately. Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and decide if you need in-person care, but it cannot confirm pneumonia by itself.

What should I do if I have a high fever and cough?

If you have a high fever with cough, monitor your symptoms closely. Use telemedicine to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare provider. Seek in-person care if you develop difficulty breathing, chest pain, or other red flags.

Is it safe to treat pneumonia at home?

Some mild cases of pneumonia can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and prescribed medications. However, it is important to have a healthcare provider evaluate your condition to ensure safe treatment. Seek immediate care if symptoms worsen.

When should I call emergency services for pneumonia symptoms?

Call emergency services if you experience severe shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, difficulty waking up, or if your lips or face turn blue or gray. These are signs of a medical emergency.

Can telemedicine providers prescribe antibiotics for pneumonia?

In some cases, telemedicine providers may prescribe antibiotics if pneumonia is suspected and they feel it is safe. However, many cases require an in-person exam and tests before starting antibiotics.

Sources

1. Pneumonia — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Pneumonia: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Pneumonia — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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 you have symptoms of pneumonia or any red flags, seek prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional.