How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Wheezing in Children

Audience: pediatric

Wheezing in children is a common symptom that may indicate issues with the airways or lungs. Preparing for a telemedicine visit can help you share important information with the healthcare provider to better understand your child's condition. During the visit, the provider will ask about the wheezing's onset, triggers, and any other symptoms like coughing or difficulty breathing. Telemedicine can be a convenient way to discuss mild to moderate wheezing and get advice on managing symptoms or when to seek urgent care. However, if your child has severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, or is very sleepy or unresponsive, you should seek emergency in-person care immediately. This guide helps you prepare for the telemedicine visit, understand its benefits and limits, and know what to do afterward to support your child's health.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has severe difficulty breathing, such as rapid breathing or struggling to breathe.
• Lips, face, or nails turn blue or gray, indicating low oxygen.
• Child is unusually sleepy, hard to wake, or unresponsive.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild to moderate wheezing without severe breathing difficulty.
• Follow-up questions about known respiratory conditions like asthma.
• Advice on symptom management and medication use.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe breathing distress requiring immediate emergency care.
• New onset of high fever with wheezing and poor responsiveness.
• Signs of airway obstruction or choking.

What is Wheezing and Why Does it Happen?

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound made when your child breathes out. It happens because the airways in the lungs are narrowed or blocked. Common causes include asthma, respiratory infections, allergies, or exposure to irritants like smoke. Understanding the cause helps the healthcare provider recommend the right care.

When to Use Telemedicine for Wheezing

Telemedicine is useful for mild to moderate wheezing without severe breathing problems. It allows you to speak with a healthcare provider from home, share your child's symptoms, and get advice on treatment or monitoring. If your child has had wheezing before and the symptoms are similar, telemedicine can help manage ongoing care.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit, gather information about your child's symptoms, such as when the wheezing started, how often it happens, and what seems to trigger it. Have a list of any medications your child is taking, including doses. Find a quiet, well-lit place for the video call where you can show the provider your child's breathing if possible. Be ready to describe any other symptoms like coughing, fever, or difficulty feeding.

What the Healthcare Provider May Do During the Visit

The provider will ask detailed questions about your child's symptoms and medical history. They may observe your child's breathing through the video and guide you on how to check for signs of distress. Based on the information, they might suggest treatments, recommend home care steps, or advise if an in-person exam or emergency care is needed.

After the Telemedicine Visit: What to Do Next

Follow the provider's instructions carefully, including any medication changes or monitoring advice. Watch your child for any worsening symptoms or new signs of trouble. Schedule follow-up visits if recommended. If your child's condition worsens or you notice any danger signs, seek in-person medical care immediately.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note when the wheezing started and how often it occurs.
• List any other symptoms such as cough, fever, or feeding difficulties.
• Prepare a list of current medications and dosages.
• Find a quiet, well-lit area for the video call.
• Have a phone or device with a good internet connection ready.
• Be ready to describe or show your child's breathing during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on medications and care.
• Monitor your child's breathing and overall condition closely.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up visits.
• Seek emergency care if red flag symptoms develop.
• Keep a record of symptoms and treatments for future reference.

FAQs

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

Telemedicine can help healthcare providers gather important information and observe your child's breathing, but it may not always provide a complete diagnosis. In some cases, an in-person exam or tests may be needed for a full diagnosis.

What should I do if my child's wheezing gets worse after the telemedicine visit?

If your child's wheezing worsens or if they develop any danger signs like severe difficulty breathing or blue lips, seek emergency in-person medical care immediately.

Can I get a prescription through telemedicine for wheezing?

Often, healthcare providers can prescribe medications during a telemedicine visit if appropriate. However, this depends on your location and the provider's assessment.

How can I help prevent wheezing episodes in my child?

Avoid exposure to smoke, allergens, and irritants. Follow your healthcare provider's advice on managing asthma or allergies if your child has these conditions. Keep your child's environment clean and well-ventilated.

Sources

1. Wheezing in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Asthma in Children — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Wheezing and Respiratory Symptoms — Mayo Clinic.
4. Telehealth: What You Need To Know — World Health Organization (WHO).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.