How to prepare for a video visit about Traveler’s Diarrhea in children

Audience: pediatric

Traveler’s diarrhea is a common illness that can affect children when they travel to new places. It usually causes loose, watery stools and stomach discomfort. Most cases get better on their own with simple care, but sometimes medical advice is needed. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand your child’s symptoms and find the best way to care for them. To make the most of your telemedicine visit, it helps to prepare information about your child’s symptoms, recent travel, and any medicines they are taking. This guide explains how to get ready for the visit, what signs need urgent care, and what telemedicine can and cannot do for traveler’s diarrhea in children. Remember, this information is for education and not a substitute for in-person medical care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Signs of severe dehydration such as very dry mouth, no tears when crying, sunken eyes, or very little urine output — seek emergency care immediately.
• Blood in stool or black, tarry stools — this may indicate serious infection or bleeding requiring urgent evaluation.
• High fever above 39°C (102°F) lasting more than 2 days or severe abdominal pain — these symptoms need prompt medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessing mild to moderate symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea in children
• Providing advice on hydration and diet during illness
• Recommending over-the-counter medicines for symptom relief
• Determining when in-person care is necessary

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations requiring hands-on assessment
• Administering intravenous fluids or emergency treatments
• Ordering or conducting laboratory tests such as stool cultures
• Prescribing certain antibiotics or medications without an in-person evaluation

What is Traveler’s Diarrhea in Children?

Traveler’s diarrhea happens when children eat or drink something with germs they are not used to. It causes loose or watery stools, stomach cramps, nausea, and sometimes fever. It often starts during or shortly after travel, especially to places with different food and water safety standards. Most children recover in a few days with rest and fluids.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your telemedicine appointment, gather important details to share with the healthcare provider:

Having this information ready helps the provider understand your child’s condition better.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

During the video call, the healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history. They may ask to see your child to check for signs like dryness of mouth, sunken eyes, or weakness. The provider will give advice on how to manage symptoms at home and when to seek further care. They might suggest medicines to reduce symptoms or prevent dehydration.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Some signs mean your child needs urgent medical attention. Contact emergency services or go to the nearest hospital if your child has:

These symptoms require in-person care immediately.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can often help by:

However, telemedicine cannot:

Knowing these limits helps you use telemedicine safely.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the start date and time of your child’s symptoms.
• Count and describe the stool frequency and appearance.
• Check for any blood or mucus in the stool.
• Measure your child’s temperature if possible.
• Observe for signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, urine output).
• List recent travel destinations and activities.
• Prepare a list of current medications or treatments your child is using.
• Ensure your device is charged and your internet connection is stable for the video call.
• Find a quiet, well-lit place for the visit where you can show your child to the provider if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on hydration and diet.
• Administer any recommended medicines as directed.
• Monitor your child’s symptoms closely for improvement or worsening.
• Keep track of fluid intake and urine output to watch for dehydration.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Seek emergency care immediately if red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can I give my child antibiotics for traveler’s diarrhea during a video visit?

Antibiotics are not always needed for traveler’s diarrhea and are usually prescribed only in certain cases. During a video visit, the provider may decide if antibiotics are appropriate based on symptoms and risk factors. However, some antibiotics require an in-person evaluation before prescribing.

How can I prevent traveler’s diarrhea in my child when traveling?

Preventive steps include drinking bottled or purified water, avoiding raw or undercooked foods, washing hands regularly, and eating foods that are cooked and served hot. These measures reduce the chance of exposure to germs that cause diarrhea.

What should I do if my child refuses to drink fluids?

Keeping your child hydrated is very important. Try offering small, frequent sips of oral rehydration solutions, water, or clear fluids. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks. If your child cannot keep fluids down or shows signs of dehydration, seek medical care promptly.

Is it safe to use over-the-counter medicines for my child’s diarrhea?

Some over-the-counter medicines may help with symptoms, but not all are safe for children. Always ask your healthcare provider before giving any medicine, especially to young children. Avoid anti-diarrheal medicines unless specifically recommended.

When should I schedule a follow-up visit after the telemedicine appointment?

If your child’s symptoms improve, a follow-up may not be needed. However, if diarrhea lasts more than a few days, symptoms worsen, or new symptoms appear, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Sources

1. Traveler’s Diarrhea — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Traveler’s Diarrhea in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
3. Traveler’s Diarrhea — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
4. Traveler’s Diarrhea — Mayo Clinic.

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