How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Shortness of Breath

Audience: adult

Shortness of breath can be a sign of many health issues, some of which need urgent care. Preparing for a telemedicine visit can help you get the most from your appointment. Before your visit, gather information about your symptoms, such as when they started, what makes them better or worse, and any other health problems you have. During the visit, you can discuss your symptoms with a healthcare provider who can guide you on next steps. Telemedicine is often useful for initial assessment and follow-up of breathing problems but may not replace in-person exams or tests when symptoms are severe. Knowing when to seek emergency care is important for your safety. This guide helps you prepare for your telemedicine visit, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for shortness of breath, and learn what to do after your appointment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe shortness of breath that makes speaking difficult — call emergency services immediately.
• Chest pain or pressure accompanying breathlessness — seek urgent medical care.
• Blue or gray lips, face, or fingertips — get emergency help right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate shortness of breath.
• Review of medical history and current medications.
• Advice on symptom management and monitoring.
• Determining need for in-person evaluation or tests.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination requiring lung auscultation.
• Diagnostic imaging like chest X-rays or CT scans.
• Emergency treatment for severe breathing difficulty.
• Management of life-threatening conditions such as heart attack or severe asthma attack.

What to Expect During Your Telemedicine Visit

During your telemedicine visit, a healthcare provider will ask about your breathing difficulties, including when they started, how severe they are, and any other symptoms like cough, chest pain, or fever. They may ask about your medical history, medications, and any recent exposures to illness or allergens. You might be asked to show your breathing effort or position yourself so the provider can observe you. The provider will use this information to decide if you need urgent in-person care or if your symptoms can be managed remotely.

How to Prepare for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your appointment, find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet or phone connection. Have your device charged and ready. Write down your symptoms, including when they started and what affects them. Gather your medication list, any recent test results, and notes about your medical history. If possible, have a family member or friend nearby to assist. Prepare to describe your breathing difficulty clearly and answer questions about your overall health.

When to Seek In-Person or Emergency Care

Telemedicine is not suitable for all cases of shortness of breath. If you experience any of these red flags, seek emergency care immediately:

If your symptoms worsen quickly or you have a known heart or lung condition with new or severe symptoms, in-person evaluation is often necessary.

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do for Shortness of Breath

Telemedicine can:

Telemedicine cannot:

After Your Telemedicine Visit: Next Steps

Follow your provider’s advice carefully. This may include:

Keep a record of your symptoms and any new developments to share with your healthcare provider.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet or phone connection.
• Charge your device and test audio/video functions.
• Write down details about your symptoms: onset, severity, triggers, and other related symptoms.
• Prepare a list of your current medications and medical conditions.
• Have a family member or friend nearby if you need assistance.
• Be ready to describe your breathing difficulty clearly and answer questions about your overall health.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions carefully.
• Take any prescribed medications as directed.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or worsening.
• Schedule in-person visits or diagnostic tests if recommended.
• Seek emergency care immediately if red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can a telemedicine visit diagnose the cause of my shortness of breath?

Telemedicine providers can assess your symptoms and medical history to suggest possible causes, but they cannot perform physical exams or tests needed for a definitive diagnosis. You may be referred for in-person evaluation or tests.

What should I do if my shortness of breath worsens after the telemedicine visit?

If your symptoms worsen, especially if you experience severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, or blue lips, seek emergency medical care immediately. Do not wait for another telemedicine visit.

Can I use telemedicine for ongoing management of chronic breathing problems?

Yes, telemedicine can be useful for follow-up visits, medication management, and monitoring symptoms for chronic conditions like asthma or COPD, but periodic in-person evaluations are often necessary.

Do I need any special equipment for the telemedicine visit?

Usually, a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone is sufficient. Having a pulse oximeter at home can be helpful to measure oxygen levels if advised by your provider.

How can I describe my shortness of breath clearly during the visit?

Try to explain when the shortness of breath started, what activities make it better or worse, how it feels (e.g., tightness, heaviness), and any other symptoms like cough or fever. Be honest about your medical history and medications.

Sources

1. Shortness of Breath — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Telehealth: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea) — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe or worsening symptoms, seek emergency care immediately or visit a healthcare facility.