Tele-triage for Panic Symptoms in Children

Audience: pediatric

Panic symptoms in children can be frightening for both the child and their caregivers. These symptoms may include sudden intense fear, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and feelings of losing control. Telemedicine can be a helpful first step to assess these symptoms quickly and safely from home. Through a tele-visit, healthcare providers can gather important information, offer guidance, and help decide if urgent in-person care is needed. However, some signs require immediate medical attention and cannot be managed remotely. This guide helps families understand when tele-triage is appropriate for pediatric panic symptoms and when to seek emergency care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has worsening or severe difficulty breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child experiences chest pain that is severe or does not go away — get urgent medical evaluation.
• Child becomes confused, loses consciousness, or shows sudden weakness — call emergency services right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of panic symptoms and guidance on calming techniques.
• Review of medical history and symptom timeline.
• Advice on when to seek in-person care or emergency services.
• Support for caregivers in managing mild to moderate panic symptoms.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe breathing difficulties requiring immediate intervention.
• Chest pain suggestive of cardiac or respiratory emergencies.
• Loss of consciousness or neurological symptoms needing urgent evaluation.
• Any life-threatening or rapidly worsening condition.

What Are Panic Symptoms in Children?

Panic symptoms often come on suddenly and may include:

These symptoms can be very distressing but are usually not dangerous on their own. Understanding them helps caregivers provide support and seek the right care.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows healthcare providers to:

It offers a quick and convenient way to get professional guidance without leaving home.

When to Seek In-Person or Emergency Care

Some symptoms require immediate medical attention. Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room if your child has:

These signs are red flags and should not wait for telemedicine evaluation.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from a tele-visit:

This preparation helps the healthcare provider assess your child's condition accurately.

After the Telemedicine Visit

After your tele-visit, you may be advised to:

Keep notes of any changes and contact your healthcare provider if you have concerns.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet and well-lit area for the tele-visit.
• Ensure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) has a working camera and microphone.
• Prepare a list of your child's symptoms, including when they started and how they have changed.
• Have your child's medical history and current medications available.
• Be ready to describe or show your child's breathing and behavior during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on calming and breathing techniques.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely and note any changes.
• Schedule follow-up appointments as recommended.
• Seek emergency care immediately if red flags develop.
• Keep a record of your child's symptoms and any treatments used.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose panic disorder in children?

Telemedicine can help healthcare providers assess panic symptoms and suggest if further evaluation is needed. However, a formal diagnosis of panic disorder often requires detailed in-person assessment and sometimes psychological testing.

What should I do if my child has a panic attack during the tele-visit?

Try to stay calm and help your child use deep breathing or grounding techniques. Inform the healthcare provider immediately so they can guide you through managing the attack safely.

Are panic symptoms dangerous for children?

Panic symptoms themselves are usually not dangerous but can be very distressing. It's important to rule out other medical causes and to get support to manage symptoms effectively.

When is in-person care necessary?

If your child has severe or worsening breathing problems, chest pain, loss of consciousness, confusion, or other serious symptoms, in-person emergency care is necessary.

Sources

1. Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Panic Disorder — Mayo Clinic.
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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