How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Swollen Lymph Nodes in Children

Audience: pediatric

Swollen lymph nodes in children are common and often signal the body is fighting an infection. A telemedicine visit can help assess your child's symptoms, provide advice, and guide whether further care is needed. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about the size, location, and duration of the swelling, as well as any other symptoms like fever or pain. Telemedicine is useful for initial evaluation and follow-up but cannot replace a physical exam when urgent or complex issues arise. Preparing for the visit by gathering medical history and noting changes can improve the quality of care. If your child shows danger signs such as difficulty breathing, severe pain, or rapid swelling, seek in-person emergency care immediately.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Rapidly increasing size or redness around the swollen lymph node — get urgent in-person evaluation.
• High fever lasting more than 3 days or child appears very unwell — visit a healthcare facility promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of swollen lymph nodes without severe symptoms.
• Providing advice on symptom management and home care.
• Determining if further tests or in-person visits are needed.
• Follow-up visits to monitor progress after initial assessment.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination requiring palpation or biopsy.
• Emergency situations like difficulty breathing or severe pain.
• Diagnosing serious conditions such as cancer or deep infections without in-person evaluation.

What Are Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that help your child's body fight infections. They can swell when your child has a cold, ear infection, or other illnesses. Swollen lymph nodes are usually not serious and often get better on their own.

When to Use Telemedicine for Swollen Lymph Nodes

Telemedicine can be a good first step if your child has swollen lymph nodes without severe symptoms. It allows a healthcare provider to ask questions and see your child through video. This can help decide if your child needs medicines, tests, or to see a doctor in person.

How to Prepare for the Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit, write down your child's symptoms, when they started, and any changes you noticed. Have a list of current medicines and any allergies ready. Find a quiet place with good lighting and a way to show the swollen area during the video call.

What to Expect During the Visit

The provider will ask about your child's health and symptoms. They may ask you to show the swollen lymph nodes on camera. Based on this, they will give advice, suggest treatments, or recommend if your child needs to be seen in person.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child has trouble breathing, severe pain, swelling that grows quickly, or if they look very sick, go to an emergency room or urgent care. These signs need immediate evaluation and cannot be handled through telemedicine.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note when the swollen lymph nodes were first noticed.
• Write down any other symptoms like fever, pain, or fatigue.
• List current medications and allergies.
• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the video call.
• Have a device with a camera ready to show the swollen area.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on medications or home care.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule an in-person visit if recommended or if symptoms worsen.
• Seek emergency care if red flag symptoms appear.
• Keep a record of the telemedicine visit for future reference.

FAQs

Can swollen lymph nodes in children be serious?

Most swollen lymph nodes in children are due to common infections and are not serious. However, if swelling lasts more than a few weeks or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is important to see a healthcare provider.

How long do swollen lymph nodes usually last?

Swollen lymph nodes often improve within 1 to 3 weeks as the infection clears. If they persist longer, further evaluation may be needed.

Can I treat swollen lymph nodes at home?

Yes, you can help your child rest and stay hydrated. Over-the-counter pain relievers may reduce discomfort. Always follow your healthcare provider's advice.

When should I call a doctor during a telemedicine visit?

Call your healthcare provider if your child develops new symptoms like difficulty breathing, severe pain, or if the swelling grows quickly. These require urgent attention.

Will the provider be able to diagnose the cause over telemedicine?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide next steps, but some causes may require physical exams or tests that need an in-person visit.

Sources

1. Swollen Lymph Nodes — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Lymphadenopathy in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Lymph Nodes and Lymphatic System — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Swollen Lymph Nodes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.

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 symptoms or you are concerned about their health, seek immediate in-person evaluation from a healthcare professional.