How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Loss of Smell/Taste in Children

Audience: pediatric

Loss of smell or taste in children can be concerning and may result from various causes such as infections, allergies, or other medical conditions. Preparing for a telemedicine visit helps ensure that you provide the healthcare provider with clear and useful information. During the visit, the provider will ask about symptoms, their onset, and any related health issues. Telemedicine can often address mild to moderate symptoms and guide you on next steps. However, some situations require in-person evaluation. This guide helps you understand how to prepare, what to expect, and when to seek urgent care for your child’s loss of smell or taste.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty breathing or persistent chest pain — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child shows sudden confusion, weakness, or difficulty speaking — call emergency services.
• High fever lasting more than 3 days or not responding to fever-reducing medication — arrange urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of loss of smell or taste symptoms in children.
• Guidance on home care and symptom monitoring.
• Determining if further testing or in-person evaluation is needed.
• Answering questions about symptom causes and management.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations or smell/taste tests requiring specialized equipment.
• Diagnosing serious underlying conditions that need in-person tests.
• Managing emergency symptoms such as breathing difficulty or neurological changes.
• Administering treatments that require direct medical procedures.

Understanding Loss of Smell and Taste in Children

Loss of smell (anosmia) or taste (ageusia) can happen for many reasons in children. Common causes include colds, flu, allergies, or sinus infections. Sometimes, it may be linked to more serious conditions. Noticing changes early and discussing them with a healthcare provider is important to find the cause and decide on care.

When to Use Telemedicine for These Symptoms

Telemedicine is useful for initial evaluation, especially if symptoms are mild or recent. A provider can ask detailed questions, assess your child’s history, and suggest home care or tests. It helps avoid unnecessary travel and exposure to infections. However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams or smell tests directly.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit, gather information such as when symptoms started, any recent illnesses, medications, and other symptoms like fever or nasal congestion. Make sure your child is in a quiet place with good lighting. Have a list of questions ready and ensure your device is charged and connected to the internet.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms, medical history, and any recent exposures. They may guide you through simple smell or taste tests at home. Based on this, they will advise if further testing or in-person care is needed. Follow their instructions carefully and ask questions if you are unsure.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

If your child has difficulty breathing, severe headache, confusion, high fever, or any sudden neurological symptoms, seek emergency care right away. Also, if symptoms worsen rapidly or do not improve as advised, an in-person visit may be necessary for thorough examination and testing.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note when the loss of smell or taste started and any changes over time.
• List any other symptoms your child has, such as fever, cough, or nasal congestion.
• Prepare information about recent illnesses, exposures, or allergies.
• Ensure your device is charged and connected to a stable internet connection.
• Find a quiet, well-lit place for the telemedicine visit.
• Have a list of questions or concerns ready to discuss with the healthcare provider.
• Keep any medications your child is taking nearby for reference.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on home care or medications.
• Monitor your child’s symptoms closely and note any changes.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments or tests.
• Seek immediate care if red flag symptoms develop.
• Keep a record of your child’s symptom progression to share with healthcare providers if needed.

FAQs

Can a telemedicine visit diagnose the cause of my child’s loss of smell or taste?

Telemedicine visits can help assess symptoms and guide initial care, but they may not be able to fully diagnose the cause without physical exams or tests. Your provider may recommend in-person evaluation if needed.

What home tests can I do during the telemedicine visit?

Your provider may guide you to perform simple smell or taste tests using common household items like coffee, lemon, or sugar. These tests help provide information but are not definitive.

When should I be worried about my child’s loss of smell or taste?

If your child has additional severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, confusion, high fever, or if symptoms worsen or last more than a few weeks, seek medical attention promptly.

Can allergies cause loss of smell or taste in children?

Yes, allergies can cause nasal congestion and inflammation that may reduce the ability to smell or taste. Managing allergies often helps improve these symptoms.

Is loss of smell or taste related to COVID-19 in children?

Loss of smell or taste can be a symptom of COVID-19, but it can also result from other infections or conditions. Testing and evaluation by a healthcare provider can help determine the cause.

Sources

1. Anosmia and Ageusia: Causes and Clinical Evaluation — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Loss of Smell and Taste in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Loss of Smell and Taste: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child has severe or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.