How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Diarrhea in a Child - Triage

Audience: pediatric

Diarrhea in children is common and often caused by infections or dietary changes. Preparing for a telemedicine visit can help caregivers provide clear information to healthcare providers, ensuring the best advice and care. During the visit, the provider will ask about symptoms, hydration, and any other health concerns. Telemedicine can often handle mild to moderate diarrhea cases by guiding home care and monitoring. However, some signs require urgent in-person evaluation. This guide helps caregivers understand how to prepare, what to expect, and when to seek emergency care. Clear communication and observation are key to managing your child's health effectively through telemedicine.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child shows signs of severe dehydration: very dry mouth, no tears when crying, sunken eyes, or very little urine output (less than 4 wet diapers in 24 hours). Seek emergency care immediately.
• Presence of blood or pus in the diarrhea stools, or black, tarry stools, which may indicate serious infection or bleeding.
• Child has a persistent high fever (above 39°C or 102.2°F) lasting more than 24 hours or is unusually sleepy, difficult to wake, or unresponsive.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate diarrhea symptoms in children.
• Guidance on hydration and home care measures.
• Monitoring symptoms and advising on when to seek in-person care.
• Providing information on diet and fluid intake during diarrhea.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Evaluation of severe dehydration requiring intravenous fluids.
• Assessment of bloody or pus-containing diarrhea needing laboratory tests.
• Management of children who are lethargic, unresponsive, or have persistent high fever.
• Emergency interventions for severe or complicated illness.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

During the telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, such as the frequency and appearance of diarrhea, presence of fever, vomiting, and signs of dehydration. They may also inquire about recent travel, food intake, and any medications your child is taking. You might be asked to show your child on camera to observe their general appearance and hydration status. The provider will guide you on home care and when to seek further care.

How to Prepare for the Telemedicine Visit

Prepare a quiet, well-lit space with a good internet connection for the visit. Have a list of your child's symptoms, their duration, and any recent changes in diet or environment. Measure your child's temperature if possible. Keep a record of the number of diarrhea episodes and any other symptoms like vomiting or lethargy. Have your child's medical history and any medications handy. Ensure your child is nearby and comfortable during the consultation.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can often manage mild to moderate diarrhea in children by providing advice on hydration, diet, and symptom monitoring. It is useful for assessing whether the child needs urgent care or can be safely managed at home. Providers can also recommend over-the-counter treatments and explain signs to watch for that require in-person evaluation.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

Certain signs require urgent medical attention. These include persistent high fever, blood or pus in diarrhea, signs of severe dehydration (such as very dry mouth, no tears when crying, sunken eyes, or decreased urination), lethargy or unresponsiveness, and repeated vomiting preventing fluid intake. If any of these occur, seek emergency care promptly rather than relying on telemedicine alone.

Tips for Monitoring Your Child at Home

Keep track of your child's fluid intake and output. Offer frequent small sips of oral rehydration solutions or fluids. Avoid sugary drinks or undiluted fruit juices. Monitor for changes in behavior, alertness, and the frequency and quality of stools. Maintain a comfortable environment and encourage rest. Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit area with a stable internet connection for the visit.
• Have a list of your child's symptoms, including when they started and how often diarrhea occurs.
• Measure and record your child's temperature if possible.
• Note any recent changes in diet, travel, or exposure to sick contacts.
• Prepare information about your child's medical history and current medications.
• Have a way to show your child on camera if requested by the provider.
• Keep paper and pen ready to note down advice or instructions.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on hydration and diet.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely, including stool frequency and appearance.
• Watch for any red flag signs that require urgent care.
• Keep a record of any new symptoms or changes to report in follow-up visits.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve as expected.
• Schedule an in-person visit if advised or if your child's condition changes significantly.

FAQs

Can I use telemedicine for any diarrhea in my child?

Telemedicine is often suitable for mild to moderate diarrhea cases in children, especially when you can provide clear information and observe your child's condition. However, severe symptoms or danger signs require in-person evaluation.

What should I do if my child is vomiting and has diarrhea?

If your child has vomiting along with diarrhea, try to offer small sips of fluids frequently to prevent dehydration. If vomiting prevents fluid intake or your child shows signs of dehydration, seek in-person care promptly.

How can I tell if my child is dehydrated?

Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, no tears when crying, sunken eyes, decreased urination (fewer than 4 wet diapers in 24 hours), lethargy, and irritability. If you notice these signs, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Should I stop feeding my child during diarrhea?

It is generally recommended to continue feeding your child age-appropriate foods during diarrhea to maintain nutrition. Breastfeeding or formula feeding should continue as usual. Your healthcare provider can give specific advice based on your child's condition.

When should I seek emergency care instead of telemedicine?

Seek emergency care if your child has severe dehydration signs, persistent high fever, blood in stools, repeated vomiting preventing fluid intake, or is very lethargic or unresponsive. These situations require immediate in-person medical attention.

Sources

1. Diarrhea in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Managing Acute Diarrhea in Children — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Diarrhea: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
4. Acute Gastroenteritis in Children: Clinical Practice Guidelines — American Academy of Pediatrics.
5. Oral Rehydration Therapy — World Health Organization (WHO).

This telemedicine guidance is educational and 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.