How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Vomiting

Audience: pediatric

Vomiting in children can be caused by many conditions, ranging from mild stomach upset to more serious illnesses. A telemedicine visit can help caregivers understand the possible causes, get advice on care at home, and decide if further medical attention is needed. Preparing well for the visit ensures the healthcare provider has the right information to guide you. This includes noting symptoms, recent activities, and any treatments tried. Telemedicine is often suitable for initial assessment but may not replace in-person care if the child shows danger signs or worsening symptoms. Always be ready to seek emergency care if your child has severe symptoms.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child is unable to keep any fluids down for more than 12 hours — seek urgent care.
• Vomiting contains blood or looks like coffee grounds — seek emergency care immediately.
• Signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, no tears when crying, sunken eyes, or very little urine — get prompt medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild vomiting without severe symptoms
• Advice on hydration and home care
• Monitoring symptoms and deciding if in-person care is needed
• Follow-up consultations after initial in-person visit

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe dehydration requiring IV fluids
• Persistent vomiting with blood
• Severe abdominal pain or altered consciousness
• Signs of serious infection or other emergencies

What to Expect During Your Telemedicine Visit

During the telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will ask about your child's vomiting: how often it occurs, what it looks like, and any other symptoms like fever or diarrhea. They may ask about recent foods, exposures, or illnesses. You might be asked to show your child on camera to check for signs of dehydration or distress. The provider will guide you on care steps and when to seek in-person care.

Information to Have Ready Before the Visit

Prepare to share details such as:

Having this information ready helps the provider make a better assessment.

When to Use Telemedicine for Vomiting

Telemedicine is often appropriate if your child has mild vomiting without severe symptoms, can keep fluids down, and is alert and active. It can help you get advice on home care, hydration, and monitoring. It is also useful for follow-up if your child was recently seen in person.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

If your child shows any danger signs such as persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, blood in vomit, severe abdominal pain, or altered consciousness, seek emergency in-person care immediately. Telemedicine cannot replace urgent physical examination and treatment in these cases.

Tips to Make the Telemedicine Visit Effective

Ensure a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection. Have a device with camera and microphone ready. Keep your child close and comfortable. Have a list of questions or concerns ready to discuss. Be prepared to follow instructions given by the healthcare provider.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down when vomiting started and frequency
• Note any other symptoms like fever or diarrhea
• Have child's medical history and current medications ready
• Prepare a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection
• Have a device with camera and microphone ready
• List any questions or concerns to discuss with the provider

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on hydration and diet
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely
• Keep a record of any new or worsening symptoms
• Seek in-person care if red flags appear or symptoms worsen
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits as recommended

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my child's vomiting?

Telemedicine providers can often identify common causes based on symptoms and history, but they may not be able to diagnose all causes without physical examination or tests. They can guide you on next steps and when to seek in-person care.

What should I do if my child vomits during the telemedicine visit?

Try to keep your child calm and comfortable. You can pause the visit briefly if needed. Inform the provider about the vomiting episode and any changes in your child's condition.

Is it safe to give my child fluids during vomiting?

Small sips of clear fluids are usually recommended to prevent dehydration. Avoid large amounts at once to reduce vomiting risk. Your healthcare provider will give specific advice based on your child's condition.

When should I stop using telemedicine and go to the emergency room?

If your child shows danger signs such as inability to keep fluids down for more than 12 hours, blood in vomit, severe abdominal pain, dehydration signs, or altered consciousness, seek emergency in-person care immediately.

Sources

1. Vomiting in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Vomiting and Diarrhea in Children — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Nausea and Vomiting in Children — Mayo Clinic.
4. Pediatric Vomiting: Evaluation and Management — American Academy of Pediatrics.

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, seek immediate medical attention.