How to prepare for a video visit about Nonallergic Rhinitis

Audience: pediatric

Nonallergic rhinitis is a condition that causes symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose without an allergic cause. It often affects children and can make breathing through the nose uncomfortable. Preparing for a video visit about nonallergic rhinitis helps you and your child get the most from the appointment. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about symptoms, triggers, and medical history. They may suggest ways to manage symptoms and recommend treatments. This guide explains how to prepare for the video visit, what to expect, and when to seek urgent care. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool but is not a substitute for in-person medical care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Your child has trouble breathing or noisy breathing that does not improve.
• Your child has a high fever lasting more than 3 days or worsening symptoms.
• Your child experiences swelling or severe pain in the face or around the eyes.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to nonallergic rhinitis.
• Providing guidance on symptom management and home care.
• Recommending over-the-counter treatments and preventive measures.
• Determining if further testing or in-person care is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a physical nasal examination or diagnostic tests.
• Treating severe breathing difficulties or emergencies.
• Diagnosing other serious conditions that may mimic rhinitis symptoms.

What is Nonallergic Rhinitis?

Nonallergic rhinitis causes nasal symptoms like congestion, runny nose, sneezing, or postnasal drip without allergies or infections. It can be triggered by irritants such as smoke, strong smells, weather changes, or infections. Unlike allergic rhinitis, it does not involve the immune system reacting to allergens. Children with nonallergic rhinitis may have symptoms that last for weeks or come and go over time.

Preparing for Your Child's Video Visit

Before the video visit, find a quiet, well-lit space with a good internet connection. Have your child's medical history ready, including any past nasal problems, allergies, or treatments tried. Write down your child's symptoms, when they started, and any triggers you have noticed. Also, prepare a list of questions or concerns you want to discuss with the healthcare provider. Make sure your device’s camera and microphone work well for clear communication.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about your child's symptoms, such as how often they occur, their severity, and what seems to trigger them. They may ask about your child's environment and any family history of nasal conditions. While the provider cannot perform a physical exam through video, they may guide you to show your child's nose or breathing patterns. Based on this information, they may suggest treatments or recommend further tests or an in-person visit if needed.

Managing Nonallergic Rhinitis at Home

Treatment often includes avoiding known triggers like smoke or strong odors. Using a saline nasal spray can help clear nasal passages. Keeping your child's environment clean and humidified may reduce symptoms. Sometimes, a healthcare provider may recommend medications such as nasal corticosteroids or antihistamines, but these should only be used under medical advice. Regular follow-up can help adjust treatment as needed.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child has severe difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, or symptoms that worsen quickly, seek in-person medical care immediately. Also, if symptoms do not improve with treatment or if new symptoms develop, an in-person visit may be necessary for a thorough examination and testing.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit space with good internet for the video visit.
• Test your device’s camera and microphone before the appointment.
• Have your child's medical history and symptom notes ready.
• Write down any questions or concerns to discuss.
• Ensure your child is comfortable and ready to participate if possible.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on treatments and home care.
• Monitor your child’s symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule follow-up appointments as recommended.
• Seek in-person care if symptoms worsen or red flags appear.
• Keep a record of any medications or treatments used.

FAQs

What causes nonallergic rhinitis in children?

Nonallergic rhinitis can be caused by irritants like smoke, pollution, strong smells, changes in weather, infections, or certain medications. It is not caused by allergies or the immune system reacting to allergens.

Can nonallergic rhinitis be cured?

Nonallergic rhinitis often cannot be completely cured but can be managed well with treatments and avoiding triggers. Symptoms may improve over time or with proper care.

Is nonallergic rhinitis contagious?

No, nonallergic rhinitis is not contagious because it is not caused by an infection. However, infections can sometimes trigger similar symptoms.

When should I take my child to the emergency room?

Take your child to the emergency room if they have severe difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, facial swelling, or if they become very unwell quickly.

Can my child use nasal sprays?

Some nasal sprays, like saline sprays, are safe and helpful for children. Other sprays, such as corticosteroids, should only be used if recommended by a healthcare provider.

Sources

1. Nonallergic Rhinitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Rhinitis: Diagnosis and Management — National Library of Medicine.
3. Allergic and Nonallergic Rhinitis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Nonallergic Rhinitis: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you have concerns about your child's health or if symptoms worsen, seek care from a healthcare provider in person immediately.