Red flags & when to go in person for Nasal Congestion in Children

Audience: pediatric

Nasal congestion in children is common and often caused by colds or allergies. Many cases can be managed through telemedicine, where a healthcare provider can offer advice and suggest treatments without an in-person visit. However, some signs mean your child needs to see a healthcare provider face-to-face quickly. These include difficulty breathing, high fever, or symptoms lasting more than 10 days. Knowing when to use telemedicine and when to seek in-person care helps keep your child safe and comfortable. This guide explains red flags to watch for, what telemedicine can and cannot handle, and how to prepare for and follow up after a tele-visit.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or noisy breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F) lasting more than 3 days — consult a healthcare provider in person.
• Nasal congestion lasting more than 10 days without improvement — get an in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild nasal congestion without breathing difficulty
• Advice on home care and symptom management
• Assessment of common cold or allergy symptoms

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe breathing problems or wheezing
• High fever lasting several days
• Signs of dehydration or severe facial pain
• Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement

What Causes Nasal Congestion in Children?

Nasal congestion happens when the tissues inside the nose swell or produce extra mucus. Common causes include colds, flu, allergies, and irritants like smoke or dust. Most nasal congestion is mild and improves on its own or with simple treatments like saline sprays or humidifiers.

When to Use Telemedicine for Nasal Congestion

Telemedicine can help if your child has mild symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose without serious breathing problems. A healthcare provider can assess symptoms, suggest home care, and decide if medicines are needed. Tele-visits save time and reduce exposure to other illnesses.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

Watch for these danger signs in your child:

If you see any of these, take your child to a healthcare facility promptly.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit, have the following ready:

This helps the provider assess your child's condition accurately.

After the Telemedicine Visit: What to Do Next

Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully. This may include giving medications, monitoring symptoms, or scheduling a follow-up visit. If your child's condition worsens or new red flags appear, seek in-person care immediately.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the start date and details of your child's symptoms.
• Have a thermometer ready to check temperature.
• List any medications or treatments already used.
• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the tele-visit.
• Ensure your device has a working camera and microphone.

After your tele-visit

• Follow all care instructions given by the healthcare provider.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely for any changes.
• Use recommended medications or home treatments as directed.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if advised or if symptoms persist.
• Seek immediate in-person care if red flags develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my child's nasal congestion?

Telemedicine providers can often assess symptoms and suggest likely causes such as colds or allergies based on history and visual cues. However, some conditions require in-person exams or tests for a definitive diagnosis.

Is it safe to give my child over-the-counter cold medicines?

Many over-the-counter medicines are not recommended for young children. Always check with a healthcare provider before giving any medication to your child, especially during a telemedicine visit.

How long should nasal congestion last before I worry?

Nasal congestion from common colds usually improves within 7 to 10 days. If congestion lasts longer or worsens, it is important to get an in-person evaluation.

What home remedies can help relieve my child's nasal congestion?

Using saline nasal sprays, running a humidifier in the child's room, ensuring they drink plenty of fluids, and keeping their head elevated can help ease nasal congestion.

Sources

1. Nasal Congestion — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Common Cold in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. When to Seek Emergency Care for Children — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Nasal Congestion and Sinusitis — Mayo Clinic.

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 you are concerned about their health, seek evaluation by a healthcare professional in person immediately.