What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Nonallergic Rhinitis in Children

Audience: pediatric

Nonallergic rhinitis is a common condition in children that causes nasal symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose without an allergy cause. After a telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will discuss ways to manage your child's symptoms and may suggest treatments to help reduce discomfort. The visit usually includes a review of symptoms, advice on avoiding triggers, and recommendations for medications or home care. Follow-up care might be needed if symptoms do not improve or worsen. Telemedicine offers a convenient way to get guidance without needing to travel, but it cannot replace in-person exams when more detailed assessment is necessary. Knowing when to seek emergency care or an in-person visit is important to keep your child safe and healthy.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty breathing or persistent noisy breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever (above 38.5°C or 101.3°F) lasting more than 3 days with nasal symptoms — contact healthcare provider promptly.
• Nosebleeds that are frequent or heavy, or signs of facial swelling — arrange urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of nasal symptoms and history taking.
• Providing advice on symptom management and home care.
• Prescribing common medications like saline sprays or nasal corticosteroids.
• Monitoring symptom progress and advising on follow-up.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical nasal examination with specialized tools.
• Diagnosing complications like sinus infections requiring imaging.
• Managing severe respiratory distress or emergencies.
• Conducting allergy testing or nasal endoscopy.

Understanding Nonallergic Rhinitis in Children

Nonallergic rhinitis causes symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and runny nose without an allergic trigger. It can be caused by irritants such as smoke, strong smells, changes in weather, or infections. Unlike allergic rhinitis, it does not involve the immune system reacting to allergens. Symptoms may come and go and often last for weeks or longer.

What to Expect During Your Telemedicine Visit

During the telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, their duration, and any possible triggers. They may observe your child's breathing and nasal appearance through video. Based on this, they will suggest ways to manage symptoms and may recommend medications such as nasal sprays or saline rinses. The provider will also discuss how to avoid irritants that can worsen symptoms.

Common Treatments and Home Care

Treatment often includes nasal saline sprays to keep the nose moist and clear mucus. Sometimes, doctors may suggest corticosteroid nasal sprays or antihistamines if symptoms are severe. Avoiding triggers like tobacco smoke, strong perfumes, and sudden temperature changes can help. Keeping your child hydrated and using a humidifier may ease nasal dryness and irritation.

When to Schedule Follow-Up Care

If symptoms do not improve within a few weeks, worsen, or new symptoms develop, a follow-up visit may be needed. Your provider might recommend an in-person exam or additional tests to rule out other causes. Regular follow-up helps ensure your child’s treatment is effective and safe.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Nonallergic Rhinitis

Telemedicine is useful for initial evaluation and ongoing management but cannot replace physical examination when detailed assessment is needed. For example, if your child has severe breathing difficulties, high fever, or signs of infection, an in-person visit or emergency care is necessary. Telemedicine cannot perform nasal endoscopy or allergy testing.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure a quiet, well-lit space for the telemedicine visit.
• Have a list of your child's symptoms, their duration, and any known triggers ready.
• Prepare a list of current medications and any allergies your child has.
• Have a device with camera and microphone ready and tested for connectivity.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss with the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan and medication instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
• Avoid exposure to known irritants such as smoke, strong odors, or sudden temperature changes.
• Use saline nasal sprays or humidifiers as recommended to ease symptoms.
• Monitor your child's symptoms daily and note any changes or new symptoms.
• Schedule a follow-up telemedicine or in-person visit if symptoms persist or worsen.
• Seek immediate care if your child shows any red flag symptoms.

FAQs

Can telemedicine visits replace all in-person visits for my child's nasal symptoms?

Telemedicine is helpful for initial assessment and managing mild to moderate symptoms. However, it cannot replace in-person exams when a physical examination or tests are needed, especially if symptoms worsen or complications arise.

What should I do if my child's symptoms get worse after the telemedicine visit?

If your child's symptoms worsen, such as increased nasal blockage, fever, or difficulty breathing, contact your healthcare provider promptly. An in-person evaluation may be necessary to ensure proper care.

Are nasal sprays safe for children?

Many nasal sprays, like saline sprays, are safe for children and can help relieve symptoms. Steroid nasal sprays may be recommended by your provider and are generally safe when used as directed. Always follow your provider's instructions.

How can I help prevent my child's nonallergic rhinitis symptoms?

Avoiding triggers like tobacco smoke, strong perfumes, and sudden changes in temperature can reduce symptoms. Keeping your home humidified and ensuring your child stays hydrated also helps.

When should I seek emergency care for my child with nasal symptoms?

Seek emergency care if your child has trouble breathing, persistent noisy breathing, severe nosebleeds, facial swelling, or a high fever that does not improve. These signs require immediate medical attention.

Sources

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

This telemedicine education is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Always seek in-person evaluation when symptoms are severe, worsening, or if you have concerns about your child's health.