How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Breathing Fast (Child) - Triage

Audience: adult

If your child is breathing fast, it can be worrying. A telemedicine visit can help you understand the cause and decide what to do next. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, medical history, and may observe their breathing through video. Telemedicine is useful for mild to moderate cases where immediate emergency care is not needed. However, if your child shows signs of severe distress, such as difficulty speaking, bluish lips, or very fast breathing, you should seek emergency care right away. Preparing for the telemedicine visit by noting symptoms, having a quiet space, and being ready to describe your child's condition will help the provider give the best advice. After the visit, follow the healthcare provider's instructions and watch for any worsening signs that need urgent attention.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child's lips or face turning blue or gray — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child unable to speak, cry, or is unusually sleepy or unresponsive — call emergency services.
• Severe difficulty breathing, gasping, or chest retractions — go to emergency room right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate fast breathing in children without severe distress.
• Guidance on home care and symptom monitoring.
• Advice on when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency evaluation of severe breathing difficulty or distress.
• Physical examination requiring hands-on assessment or medical devices.
• Immediate interventions such as oxygen therapy or advanced airway management.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

The healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about your child's breathing pattern, how long the fast breathing has lasted, and any other symptoms like fever or cough. They may ask you to show your child's breathing on camera to observe the rate and effort. Be ready to provide information about any medications or medical conditions your child has.

When Telemedicine is Appropriate

Telemedicine is often suitable when your child is breathing fast but is otherwise alert, able to speak or cry, and does not have severe distress signs. It can help determine if home care is enough or if further testing or in-person care is needed.

When to Seek Immediate In-Person Care

If your child has any of the following, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room:

These signs require urgent medical evaluation.

How to Prepare for the Telemedicine Visit

Prepare a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection. Have a list of your child's symptoms, any medications, and recent health changes ready. Keep a watch or timer nearby to help count breaths if asked. Have a caregiver available to assist with the visit if possible.

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the healthcare provider's advice carefully. This may include home care instructions, medications, or scheduling an in-person visit. Monitor your child closely and seek emergency care if symptoms worsen or new danger signs appear.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection for the visit.
• Have a watch or timer ready to count your child's breaths if asked.
• Prepare a list of your child's symptoms, including when they started and any changes.
• Note any medications your child is taking and any medical conditions.
• Have a caregiver or family member available to assist if possible.
• Ensure your device's camera and microphone are working properly.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully.
• Monitor your child's breathing and overall condition closely.
• Schedule an in-person visit if advised by the provider.
• Seek emergency care immediately if any red flag symptoms develop.
• Keep a record of any changes or new symptoms to report if needed.

FAQs

How can I count my child's breathing rate?

You can count the number of breaths your child takes in one minute by watching their chest rise and fall. Use a watch or timer to count for 60 seconds for accuracy. This information helps the healthcare provider understand how fast your child is breathing.

Is telemedicine safe for evaluating fast breathing in children?

Telemedicine can be safe and effective for assessing mild to moderate symptoms when there are no emergency signs. It allows quick access to healthcare advice without leaving home. However, if your child shows severe symptoms, in-person emergency care is necessary.

What should I do if my child's breathing gets worse after the telemedicine visit?

If your child's breathing worsens or if they develop any red flag symptoms such as blue lips, severe difficulty breathing, or unresponsiveness, seek emergency care immediately. Do not wait for another telemedicine visit in these situations.

Can the healthcare provider prescribe medications during a telemedicine visit?

Often, healthcare providers can recommend or prescribe medications during a telemedicine visit if appropriate. They will explain how to use any prescribed treatments and what to watch for.

What if my internet connection is poor during the telemedicine visit?

If the video connection is poor, try to switch to a location with better signal or use a phone call if video is not possible. Clear communication is important, so inform the provider if technical issues affect the visit.

Sources

1. Fast Breathing in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Respiratory Distress in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. When to Seek Emergency Care for Your Child — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — World Health Organization (WHO).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child shows any emergency signs or if you are concerned about their health, seek immediate medical attention.