Red flags & when to go in person for Smoking Cessation Counseling

Audience: pediatric

Smoking cessation counseling helps young people quit smoking by providing support, education, and strategies to manage cravings. Telemedicine can offer convenient access to counseling sessions, making it easier for children and teens to get help. However, some situations need in-person care, especially if there are serious health concerns or complications. This guide explains when telemedicine is suitable for smoking cessation counseling and when an in-person visit is important. It also highlights warning signs that require urgent medical attention. Remember, quitting smoking is a process that often needs ongoing support and sometimes medical evaluation to ensure safety and success.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe difficulty breathing or wheezing worsening over time — seek emergency care immediately.
• Chest pain or tightness occurring during quitting attempts — go to a healthcare facility promptly.
• Severe mood changes such as depression or thoughts of self-harm — seek urgent mental health support in person.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing education about smoking risks and benefits of quitting.
• Offering behavioral strategies and motivation to manage cravings.
• Scheduling follow-up counseling sessions to support quitting progress.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Managing severe withdrawal symptoms requiring medical supervision.
• Diagnosing or treating serious health complications related to smoking.
• Prescribing or supervising nicotine replacement therapy or medications without in-person evaluation.

What is Smoking Cessation Counseling?

Smoking cessation counseling is a service that helps children and teens stop using tobacco products. It includes talking about the risks of smoking, learning ways to handle urges, and setting goals to quit. Counselors may also discuss healthy habits and provide encouragement throughout the quitting process.

How Telemedicine Supports Smoking Cessation

Telemedicine allows you to connect with a counselor through video or phone calls. This can be helpful if you cannot easily visit a clinic. Telemedicine sessions can provide education, motivation, and coping strategies to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

When to Choose In-Person Care

Some situations require seeing a healthcare provider face-to-face. This includes if you have severe withdrawal symptoms, other health problems like asthma or heart issues, or if you need medical treatments such as nicotine replacement therapy that requires supervision. In-person visits may also be needed if telemedicine is not available or if you feel uncomfortable with remote counseling.

Red Flags: When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

Watch for these warning signs and go to a healthcare facility right away:

If any of these occur, do not wait for a telemedicine appointment.

Tips for Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from your telemedicine counseling:

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Session

After your counseling, you may receive a quit plan with steps to follow. You might be advised to schedule follow-up sessions or discuss medication options with a healthcare provider. Keep track of your progress and reach out if you face challenges or new symptoms.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet and private space for your telemedicine session.
• Test your internet connection and device before the appointment.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns about quitting smoking.
• Be ready to discuss your smoking habits honestly.
• Have a notebook or device ready to take notes during the session.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the quit plan and recommendations provided by your counselor.
• Schedule any follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits as advised.
• Monitor your symptoms and mood closely during the quitting process.
• Seek in-person care immediately if you experience any red-flag symptoms.
• Reach out to your counselor or healthcare provider if you need extra support.

FAQs

Can telemedicine help me quit smoking?

Yes, telemedicine can provide counseling that supports quitting smoking by offering education, motivation, and coping strategies remotely. It makes it easier to access help without traveling.

When should I see a doctor in person for smoking cessation?

You should see a doctor in person if you have severe withdrawal symptoms, other health problems like asthma or heart conditions, or if you need medical treatments such as nicotine replacement therapy that require supervision.

What should I do if I feel very sad or have thoughts of self-harm while quitting?

If you experience severe mood changes or thoughts of self-harm, seek urgent mental health support in person immediately. Do not wait for a telemedicine appointment.

Are medications for quitting smoking available through telemedicine?

Some medications may require an in-person evaluation before they can be prescribed safely. Telemedicine providers can advise you but may refer you for in-person care to manage medications.

How can I prepare for a telemedicine smoking cessation session?

Prepare by finding a quiet place, testing your device and internet, making a list of questions, and being ready to talk honestly about your smoking habits.

Sources

1. Smoking and Tobacco Use — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Smoking Cessation: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia — U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Tobacco Control and Smoking Cessation — World Health Organization (WHO).
4. Helping Children and Adolescents Quit Smoking — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have serious symptoms or concerns, please seek immediate evaluation by a healthcare professional.