Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Diarrhea in Children

Audience: pediatric

Diarrhea in children is common and often caused by infections or dietary changes. Many cases can be managed safely through telemedicine with guidance on hydration and nutrition. However, some signs indicate a more serious problem needing in-person evaluation. These include signs of dehydration, persistent high fever, blood in the stool, or worsening symptoms. Telemedicine can help assess symptoms, provide advice on home care, and determine if urgent care is needed. Parents should watch for danger signs and seek immediate care if these occur. This guide explains when telemedicine is suitable and when to visit a healthcare facility for a child with diarrhea.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, no tears when crying, sunken eyes, or very little urine output require immediate in-person evaluation.
• Blood or pus in the stool indicates possible serious infection and needs urgent medical attention.
• Persistent high fever above 39°C (102°F) or severe abdominal pain with vomiting that prevents fluid intake warrants prompt in-person care.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of diarrhea symptoms in children.
• Providing advice on hydration and nutrition management.
• Guidance on monitoring symptoms and when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing or treating severe dehydration.
• Managing cases with blood in stool or severe abdominal pain.
• Performing physical exams or laboratory tests needed for serious infections.

Understanding Diarrhea in Children

Diarrhea means having loose or watery stools more often than usual. In children, it often happens due to viral infections, bacteria, or changes in diet. Most cases improve within a few days with simple care. Keeping your child hydrated and feeding them a balanced diet are important steps to recovery.

When to Use Telemedicine for Diarrhea

Telemedicine can be a helpful first step to check your child's symptoms. A healthcare provider can ask about the number of stools, presence of fever, and signs of dehydration. They can offer advice on fluids and diet, and decide if your child needs to be seen in person. Telemedicine is convenient and reduces exposure to other illnesses.

Red Flags That Need In-Person Care

Certain symptoms mean your child should be seen by a healthcare provider promptly:

If any of these occur, seek medical care immediately.

How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit, gather important information:

Having this ready helps the healthcare provider give the best advice.

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the care plan given by the provider. This usually includes:

Keep a record of your child's progress to share if you need further care.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the number and appearance of your child's stools.
• Record how long the diarrhea has lasted and any other symptoms like fever or vomiting.
• Track your child's fluid intake and urine output.
• Have information about recent travel or exposure to sick individuals ready.
• Prepare a list of any medications your child is taking.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the hydration and feeding advice provided by the healthcare professional.
• Monitor your child's symptoms daily, especially for any worsening signs.
• Keep a record of stool frequency and any new symptoms.
• Seek in-person care immediately if red flags develop.
• Schedule a follow-up telemedicine visit if symptoms persist or worsen.

FAQs

Can I treat my child's diarrhea at home?

Many cases of diarrhea in children improve with home care, including giving plenty of fluids and continuing to feed them normally. However, watch for signs of dehydration or other red flags that need medical attention.

When should I call a doctor about my child's diarrhea?

Contact a healthcare provider if your child has signs of dehydration, blood in stool, high fever, severe pain, or diarrhea lasting more than a few days. Telemedicine can help decide if your child needs to be seen in person.

Is it safe to use telemedicine for diarrhea symptoms?

Yes, telemedicine is often a safe and convenient way to get advice on managing diarrhea and to determine if in-person care is needed. It helps reduce exposure to other illnesses while providing timely guidance.

What fluids are best for a child with diarrhea?

Oral rehydration solutions are best to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Water, breast milk, or formula can also be given. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks as they may worsen diarrhea.

Can antibiotics help my child’s diarrhea?

Antibiotics are not usually needed for most diarrhea cases, especially if caused by viruses. A healthcare provider can determine if antibiotics are necessary based on symptoms and tests.

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. Diarrhea in Children: Clinical Overview — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is educational and not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child shows any red flags or if symptoms worsen, seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare provider.