Tele-triage for Shortness of Breath in Children

Audience: pediatric

Shortness of breath in children can be caused by many conditions, ranging from mild to serious. Tele-triage uses video or phone calls to help assess your child's breathing symptoms and guide you on the next steps. It can be a helpful first step to decide if your child needs urgent in-person care or if home care is appropriate. During a tele-visit, a healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, medical history, and observe breathing patterns if possible. However, telemedicine has limits and cannot replace a physical exam or emergency care when needed. Knowing the warning signs and preparing for your tele-visit can make the process safer and more effective. Always seek immediate emergency care if your child has severe breathing difficulty or other danger signs.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child is struggling to breathe, gasping, or using extra muscles to breathe (neck, chest, stomach). Seek emergency care immediately.
• Lips, face, or nails turn blue or grayish. Call emergency services right away.
• Child is too sleepy to respond, unable to speak or drink, or loses consciousness. Get emergency help immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild to moderate shortness of breath without severe symptoms
• Initial assessment and guidance for home care
• Follow-up for known respiratory conditions with stable symptoms

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe breathing difficulty or respiratory distress
• Signs of low oxygen such as blue lips or face
• Unconsciousness or inability to respond
• Need for emergency interventions or physical exams

Common Causes of Shortness of Breath in Children

Shortness of breath in children may be caused by infections like colds, flu, or pneumonia; asthma; allergic reactions; or other medical conditions. Sometimes, physical activity or anxiety can also cause breathing changes. Understanding the possible causes helps guide care decisions.

When to Use Telemedicine for Your Child's Breathing Concerns

Telemedicine can be useful for initial evaluation if your child has mild to moderate breathing difficulty without severe symptoms. It allows healthcare providers to ask questions, observe breathing, and recommend home care or further evaluation. Tele-triage is often convenient and reduces exposure to other illnesses.

Limitations of Telemedicine in Breathing Emergencies

Telemedicine cannot perform a full physical exam or emergency interventions. If your child has severe breathing difficulty, bluish lips or face, inability to speak or drink, or is very sleepy or unresponsive, telemedicine is not appropriate. In these cases, seek emergency in-person care immediately.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit, find a quiet, well-lit space. Have a list of your child's symptoms, medical history, and any medications ready. If possible, have a thermometer and a way to measure breathing rate. Be prepared to show your child's breathing on camera and answer detailed questions.

What to Expect After the Tele-visit

After the tele-visit, follow the healthcare provider's advice carefully. This may include home care instructions, monitoring symptoms, or scheduling an in-person visit. Watch for any worsening signs and know when to seek urgent care. Keep contact information handy for follow-up questions.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit area for the tele-visit.
• Have your child's medical history and symptom details ready.
• Prepare a list of current medications and allergies.
• If possible, have a thermometer and a way to count breaths per minute.
• Ensure your device camera and microphone work properly.
• Have a caregiver available to assist during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully.
• Monitor your child's breathing and overall condition.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
• Seek emergency care immediately if any red flags appear.
• Keep a record of advice and any prescribed treatments.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns.

FAQs

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

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide you, but it often cannot provide a definitive diagnosis without a physical exam or tests. In some cases, an in-person visit may be needed.

What should I do if my child’s breathing gets worse after the tele-visit?

If your child's breathing worsens, especially with signs like struggling to breathe, blue lips, or unresponsiveness, seek emergency care immediately. Do not wait to contact your healthcare provider again.

Is telemedicine safe for children with asthma experiencing mild shortness of breath?

Yes, telemedicine can be a safe way to evaluate mild asthma symptoms and adjust treatment plans. However, if symptoms are severe or not improving, in-person care is necessary.

How can I help my child during a telemedicine visit?

Stay calm and provide clear information about your child's symptoms. Help your child stay still and show their breathing on camera if asked. Having another adult present can be helpful.

When should I not rely on telemedicine for my child’s breathing issues?

Do not rely on telemedicine if your child has severe breathing difficulty, blue lips or face, is very sleepy or unresponsive, or cannot speak or drink. These require immediate in-person emergency care.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional in-person medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If your child has severe or worsening symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.