How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Cough in Children

Audience: pediatric

A cough in a child can be caused by many things, from a common cold to allergies or more serious infections. Telemedicine offers a convenient way to consult a healthcare provider without leaving home. To get the most from your telemedicine visit, it helps to prepare ahead. This includes gathering information about your child's symptoms, any medicines they are taking, and having a quiet, well-lit space for the visit. Telemedicine can often help assess mild to moderate coughs and guide care, but some symptoms require in-person evaluation. Knowing when to seek emergency care is important for your child's safety. This guide will help you understand how telemedicine can support care for your child's cough, what to prepare, and when to seek further help.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has trouble breathing or is breathing very fast — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever lasting more than 3 days or fever above 39°C (102°F) in infants — contact healthcare provider promptly.
• Child is unusually drowsy, unresponsive, or has difficulty drinking fluids — seek urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild to moderate cough without severe symptoms
• Initial assessment and advice for cough
• Guidance on home care and symptom management
• Prescription of common medications when appropriate

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe breathing difficulties
• Signs of dehydration or altered consciousness
• Need for physical exams, imaging, or lab tests
• Emergency situations requiring immediate in-person care

What Telemedicine Can Do for a Child's Cough

Telemedicine allows healthcare providers to evaluate your child's cough through video or phone calls. Providers can ask about symptoms, review medical history, and observe your child’s breathing and appearance. They can offer advice on home care, suggest over-the-counter remedies, and decide if further testing or in-person care is needed. This approach is especially useful for mild or moderate coughs without severe symptoms.

When In-Person Care Is Needed

Some situations require a face-to-face visit. If your child has difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, or shows signs of dehydration, they need urgent medical attention. In-person care allows for physical exams, chest X-rays, or lab tests that cannot be done remotely. If your healthcare provider recommends it, please follow their advice promptly.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit, gather important information: - Note when the cough started and how it has changed - List any other symptoms like fever, runny nose, or wheezing - Have a list of your child's current medications and allergies - Prepare a quiet, well-lit area with good internet or phone connection - Have a thermometer handy to check your child's temperature - Be ready to describe your child's breathing and behavior clearly

What to Expect During the Visit

During the telemedicine visit, the provider will ask detailed questions about your child's cough and overall health. They may ask you to show your child's breathing on camera or describe sounds like wheezing. The provider will guide you on care steps and let you know if your child needs to be seen in person. They may also provide prescriptions or referrals if needed.

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the care plan given by your healthcare provider. Monitor your child's symptoms closely. Use medications as directed and keep your child comfortable. If symptoms worsen or new red flags appear, seek in-person care immediately. Keep a record of any changes and follow up with your provider if needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note when the cough started and any changes
• List all current medications and allergies
• Prepare a quiet, well-lit space with good internet or phone connection
• Have a thermometer ready to check your child's temperature
• Be ready to describe your child's breathing and overall behavior
• Have a list of questions or concerns to discuss with the provider

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions carefully
• Monitor your child's symptoms for any changes
• Use medications as prescribed and keep them out of reach of children
• Ensure your child stays hydrated and rests
• Seek in-person care if red flags or worsening symptoms occur
• Schedule a follow-up appointment if recommended

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my child's cough?

Telemedicine providers can often identify common causes of cough based on symptoms and history. However, some causes require physical exams or tests that need an in-person visit.

What if my child’s cough gets worse after the telemedicine visit?

If your child's symptoms worsen or new concerning signs appear, contact your healthcare provider promptly or seek emergency care if severe.

Is it safe to give my child cough medicine without seeing a doctor in person?

Some over-the-counter cough medicines may be recommended by telemedicine providers depending on your child's age and symptoms. Always follow their advice and never give adult medicines to children without guidance.

How long does a telemedicine visit about cough usually take?

Most telemedicine visits for cough last about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the complexity of symptoms and questions.

What technology do I need for a telemedicine visit?

You typically need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone, plus a reliable internet connection. Some visits may also be done by phone if video is not available.

Sources

1. Cough in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Common Cold - Symptoms and Causes — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Cough - Patient Care and Health Information — Mayo Clinic.
4. Telehealth: What to Expect — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
5. When to Seek Emergency Care for Children — FamilyDoctor.org, American Academy of Family Physicians.

This information is intended to support and educate and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Telemedicine guidance cannot replace in-person evaluation when needed. Always seek urgent or emergency care if your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned about their health.