A Parent’s Guide to Managing Breathing Problems in Kids
From noisy breathing to coughing fits, knowing what to do — and when — is key. This guide helps you manage symptoms at home, understand medications, and navigate clinic or specialist care when needed. When in doubt, always consult with your provider.
Start with a MamaBear Check-In
When your child has symptoms, but you’re not sure what to do yet, MamaBear helps you capture what matters — and sends it directly to your care team. Your care team will decide if you should stay home, schedule a traditional telemedicine appointment, or be seen in clinic or by a specialist.
How to Use MamaBear
Open the MamaBear app and complete a Check-In, which includes answering simple questions about symptoms, recent exposures, and any medications used, and recording a short video of your child. Once complete, you can submit the check-in directly to your provider through secure email, text message, or a message through your provider’s online medical record (we take care of that for you), or by sending it to yourself for easy sharing.
When to Use MamaBear
If you’re unsure whether to stay home or seek care, want to track symptoms over time, want to show your provider how your child looked or sounded during the worst moments, or you’ve started medication and want to see if it’s working.
Why It Matters
Using MamaBear, you capture symptoms in real time — not just how your child looks in the clinic. This can reduce unnecessary visits, or help your provider act sooner if symptoms are getting worse. MamaBear gives you a clear record of what’s happening and when.
Referral Pathways: What to Expect
Your MamaBear Check-In gives your provider the full picture — so they can recommend the right next steps for your child.
Stay-at-Home
If your child is mildly sick but alert, eating, and breathing comfortably.
What to Do
- Use your rescue inhaler if needed
- Offer fluids and rest
- Use a cool mist humidifier (video: one doctor’s opinion on humidifiers)
- Track symptoms and take videos using the MamaBear Health app
When to Stay Home
- Symptoms are mild (like a runny nose, mild cough)
- Inhaler improves breathing
- No or low-grade fever
When to Call the Doctor
- Breathing gets worse
- Child refuses food or drink
- You notice fast, shallow, or labored breathing
Traditional Telemedicine Appointment
When your child’s symptoms aren’t an emergency but still need medical attention, your provider may recommend a telemedicine appointment. Keep in mind that while helpful for many situations, telemedicine may not be appropriate for children who have trouble breathing, signs of serious illness, or who are too young to be assessed effectively on video.
What to Expect
- A scheduled video call with a doctor or nurse practitioner
- Discussion of your child’s symptoms, history, and recent changes
- Review of any videos, check-ins, or reports you’ve submitted through your app
- The provider may prescribe medication, recommend home care, or refer you for in-person care or testing
How to Prepare
- Make sure your child is nearby during the call, especially if breathing or behavior needs to be assessed
- Have a quiet, well-lit space ready with good internet
- Bring your notes, list of symptoms, medications, and any questions you have
- If possible, upload or send videos ahead of time through the app or patient portal
Best For
- Follow-ups on mild wheezing, cough, or symptom changes
- Reviewing how your child responded to a medication
- Getting advice on whether in-person care is needed
Clinic or Primary Care Visit
For worsening symptoms, fever, or if the inhaler isn’t working, and when your provider requests an in-clinic visit.
What to Expect
- Pulse oximeter check (oxygen levels) — video on at-home pulse oximeters by a pediatric pulmonologist
- Lung exam
- Rescue treatment (e.g., albuterol via nebulizer)
- Possible prescription for daily inhaler or oral steroid
What to Bring
- MamaBear Check-ins
- Medication list
- Notes or app summary
- Any videos showing how your child is breathing
Specialist Referral (Pulmonology or Allergy)
If your child has frequent wheezing, hospital visits, or doesn’t improve with usual treatment. (Video: when to request a referral)
What to Expect
- Lung function testing (if age-appropriate)
- Trigger and allergy evaluation
- Long-term asthma or wheezing management plan
- Possible imaging or bloodwork
You May Be Asked
- How often your child uses rescue inhalers
- Whether symptoms interrupt sleep
- What environmental triggers worsen symptoms
Medication Guide
How MamaBear Health Helps
- Allows you to track symptoms, breathing sounds, and check-ins from home
- Prompts you to collect follow-up info after giving medication
- Creates a shareable report for your child’s doctor
- Helps you decide: stay home, visit the clinic, or ask for specialist care