Red flags & when to go in person for Shortness of Breath in Children

Audience: pediatric

Shortness of breath in children can be caused by many conditions, some mild and others more serious. Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide care, but certain warning signs mean your child needs urgent in-person evaluation. These include trouble breathing, blue lips or face, sudden worsening, or inability to speak or eat. During a tele-visit, healthcare providers can review symptoms, observe breathing patterns, and recommend next steps. It is important to prepare for your tele-visit with details about your child's symptoms and medical history. After the visit, follow the provider's advice closely and seek emergency care if red flags appear. This guide helps families understand when telemedicine is suitable and when to seek immediate in-person care for their child’s breathing difficulties.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has blue or gray lips, face, or fingernails — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child is very sleepy, unresponsive, or difficult to wake — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child is unable to speak, cry, or eat because of breathing difficulty — seek emergency care immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild shortness of breath without red flags
• Ongoing monitoring of known respiratory conditions
• Medication guidance and symptom assessment

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe or rapidly worsening breathing difficulty
• Signs of low oxygen like blue lips or face
• Unresponsiveness or inability to speak or eat

Understanding Shortness of Breath in Children

Shortness of breath means your child is having trouble breathing or feels like they can't get enough air. It can happen quickly or develop over time. Causes range from mild issues like colds or allergies to serious problems like asthma attacks, infections, or heart conditions. Knowing when to seek help is important for your child's safety.

When to Use Telemedicine for Shortness of Breath

Telemedicine can be a helpful first step if your child has mild breathing difficulties without severe symptoms. A healthcare provider can ask questions, observe your child's breathing via video, and suggest home care or medicines. This can save time and reduce exposure to illnesses in clinics.

Red Flags That Need In-Person Care Immediately

Certain signs mean your child needs urgent evaluation in person or emergency care:

If you see any of these, seek emergency help immediately.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit, gather important information:

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. This may include:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note when shortness of breath started and any changes
• Observe and record breathing rate and effort
• List current medications and medical conditions
• Ensure your device’s camera and microphone are working
• Be ready to describe other symptoms such as fever or cough

After your tele-visit

• Administer prescribed medications as directed
• Monitor breathing and overall condition closely
• Schedule follow-up visits if recommended
• Seek immediate in-person care if red flags appear

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my child's shortness of breath?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and suggest possible causes, but it often cannot provide a definitive diagnosis without physical exams or tests. In-person evaluation may be needed for accurate diagnosis.

What should I do if my child's breathing worsens after a telemedicine visit?

If your child's breathing gets worse or any red flags develop, seek in-person emergency care immediately. Telemedicine is not a substitute for urgent medical attention.

Is it safe to treat mild shortness of breath at home?

Many mild cases can be managed at home with guidance from a healthcare provider. However, close monitoring is important, and you should be ready to seek care if symptoms worsen.

How can I help my child breathe easier at home?

Keep your child calm and in an upright position. Use any prescribed inhalers or medications as directed. Avoid exposure to smoke or allergens. Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice.

Sources

1. Shortness of Breath in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. When to Seek Emergency Care for Breathing Problems — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Asthma and Breathing Difficulties in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea) — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation and treatment. If your child shows any red flags or if you are concerned about their health, seek immediate in-person care.