Red flags & when to go in person for Breathing Fast (Child) - Triage

Audience: adult

When a child is breathing fast, it can be a sign of various health issues, some of which require urgent care. Fast breathing may indicate infections like pneumonia, asthma attacks, or other respiratory problems. Telemedicine can help assess symptoms, provide advice, and guide caregivers on next steps. However, certain signs mean the child needs to be seen in person immediately. These include difficulty speaking or feeding, bluish lips or face, or extreme tiredness. Recognizing these red flags helps ensure timely care and safety. This guide explains when telemedicine is suitable and when to seek urgent in-person evaluation for a child with fast breathing.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has blue or gray lips, face, or nails — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child cannot speak, cry, or feed due to breathing difficulty — go to emergency services.
• Child shows extreme sleepiness or unresponsiveness — get urgent medical help.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild fast breathing without other severe symptoms.
• Providing advice on symptom monitoring and home care.
• Guidance on when to seek in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations with severe breathing difficulty or cyanosis.
• Physical examination or diagnostic tests like chest X-rays.
• Administering treatments that require direct medical supervision.

Understanding Fast Breathing in Children

Fast breathing in children, also called tachypnea, means the child is taking more breaths per minute than normal for their age. It can be caused by infections, asthma, allergic reactions, or other health issues. Sometimes, it is a sign the child’s body is working hard to get enough oxygen. Observing other symptoms along with fast breathing helps understand the severity.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

Certain signs with fast breathing mean urgent medical attention is needed:

If any of these occur, go to an emergency department or call emergency services immediately.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine providers can:

Telemedicine is useful for mild cases or follow-up but cannot replace physical exams or tests when serious signs are present.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before the tele-visit:

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the provider’s advice carefully. Monitor the child’s breathing and overall condition. If symptoms worsen or red flags appear, seek in-person care immediately. Keep any prescribed medications and follow up as directed by the healthcare provider.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Know the child’s exact age and any past health issues.
• Count the child’s breaths per minute before the visit.
• Note any other symptoms like fever, cough, or lethargy.
• Set up a quiet, well-lit space for the video call.
• Have a thermometer and any medications available.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions carefully.
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or new red flags.
• Ensure the child rests and stays hydrated as advised.
• Schedule follow-up care if recommended.
• Seek immediate in-person care if red flags appear.

FAQs

What is considered fast breathing for a child?

Fast breathing varies by age. For example, more than 60 breaths per minute in infants under 2 months, over 50 in children 2 to 12 months, and over 40 in children 1 to 5 years may be considered fast. Exact rates can vary; a healthcare provider can help interpret this.

Can I treat fast breathing at home?

If the child has no red flags and is otherwise well, mild fast breathing may be monitored at home with rest and fluids. However, always consult a healthcare provider to ensure safety and proper care.

When should I call emergency services for my child’s breathing?

Call emergency services if your child has blue or gray lips or face, cannot speak or feed due to breathing difficulty, shows extreme sleepiness or unresponsiveness, or has severe chest retractions or gasping breaths.

How can telemedicine help with my child's breathing problem?

Telemedicine allows healthcare providers to assess your child’s symptoms through video, ask detailed questions, and advise on care or the need for urgent evaluation. It is useful for mild cases but not a replacement for emergency care.

What should I do if my child’s breathing worsens after a telemedicine visit?

If symptoms worsen or any red flags develop, seek immediate in-person medical care. Do not wait for another telemedicine appointment if the child’s condition is deteriorating.

Sources

1. Fast Breathing in Children: When to Seek Care — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Respiratory Distress in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Tachypnea in Children — Mayo Clinic.
4. Breathing Problems in Children — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child shows any red flags or if you are concerned about their breathing or health, seek immediate in-person evaluation by a healthcare professional or emergency services.