How to prepare for a video visit about Nosebleed (Epistaxis) - Triage

Audience: pediatric

Nosebleeds, or epistaxis, are common in children and often happen because of dry air, nose picking, or minor injuries. Most nosebleeds stop on their own or with simple care. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help check how serious the nosebleed is and decide if more care is needed. During the visit, your provider may ask about how long the bleeding lasts, how much blood there is, and any other symptoms your child has. Preparing for the visit by gathering this information and having a quiet, well-lit space will help the provider see and understand the problem better. Remember, if the bleeding is heavy, lasts more than 20 minutes, or your child feels very unwell, seek emergency care right away. This guide helps you get ready for a telemedicine visit about your child's nosebleed and explains what telemedicine can and cannot do.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Nosebleed lasting more than 20 minutes despite pressure — seek emergency care immediately.
• Heavy bleeding causing your child to feel weak, dizzy, or faint — call emergency services.
• Nosebleed after a head injury or serious trauma — go to the emergency room right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessing the severity of the nosebleed based on history and visual inspection.
• Providing guidance on home care to stop the bleeding.
• Determining if urgent in-person evaluation is needed.
• Answering questions about common causes and prevention.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical procedures like nasal packing or cauterization.
• Taking blood tests or imaging studies during the visit.
• Managing severe or uncontrolled bleeding remotely.
• Diagnosing rare bleeding disorders without in-person tests.

What is a Nosebleed (Epistaxis)?

A nosebleed happens when tiny blood vessels inside the nose break and bleed. In children, this often occurs due to dry air, nose picking, allergies, or minor bumps. Most nosebleeds are not serious and can be managed at home with simple steps.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, find a quiet, well-lit room where your healthcare provider can see your child's nose clearly. Have tissues or cloths ready to catch any blood. Note down how long the nosebleed lasts, how much blood is lost, and any other symptoms like dizziness or bruising. This information helps the provider understand the situation better.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's nosebleed history, any recent injuries, medications, and overall health. They may guide you to show the inside of your child's nose using the camera. The provider will advise if home care is enough or if your child needs to see a doctor in person.

Home Care Tips for Nosebleeds

To help stop a nosebleed at home, have your child sit up and lean slightly forward. Pinch the soft part of the nose for 10 to 15 minutes without letting go. Avoid lying down or tilting the head back. Applying a cold compress on the nose or cheeks may help. Keep the child's nails short to prevent nose picking.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If the nosebleed lasts more than 20 minutes despite applying pressure, if your child is losing a lot of blood, feels weak or dizzy, or if the nosebleed follows a serious injury, seek emergency care immediately. Also, if your child has bleeding from other parts of the body or bruises easily, urgent medical evaluation is needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit room for the video visit.
• Have tissues or cloths ready to manage any bleeding during the visit.
• Note the start time and duration of the nosebleed.
• Observe and record how much blood is lost (light, moderate, heavy).
• Prepare to describe any other symptoms your child has, such as dizziness or bruising.
• Have a list of your child's current medications and health conditions available.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on home care and medications.
• Monitor your child for any new or worsening symptoms.
• Avoid nose picking and keep the child's nails trimmed.
• Use a humidifier if the air is dry to prevent future nosebleeds.
• Schedule an in-person visit if recommended by the provider.
• Seek emergency care if any red flag symptoms appear after the visit.

FAQs

What should I do if my child's nosebleed starts again after the video visit?

If the nosebleed starts again, have your child sit up and lean forward. Pinch the soft part of the nose for 10 to 15 minutes. If bleeding continues or is heavy, seek emergency care immediately.

Can allergies cause nosebleeds in children?

Yes, allergies can cause nasal irritation and dryness, which may lead to nosebleeds. Managing allergies with appropriate treatment can help reduce nosebleeds.

Is it safe to use nasal sprays for a child with frequent nosebleeds?

Some nasal sprays can dry out or irritate the nasal lining. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any nasal sprays, especially if your child has frequent nosebleeds.

When should I worry about frequent nosebleeds?

If your child has frequent nosebleeds that are hard to control, happen without clear cause, or are accompanied by bruising or bleeding elsewhere, consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Sources

1. Epistaxis (Nosebleed) — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Nosebleeds in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Nosebleeds (Epistaxis) — Mayo Clinic.
4. Epistaxis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If your child has a severe or prolonged nosebleed, or you notice any red flag symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.