How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Nosebleed

Audience: pediatric

Nosebleeds in children are common and often not serious. Preparing for a telemedicine visit can help you get the best advice and care for your child. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about the frequency, duration, and severity of the nosebleeds, as well as any other symptoms. You may be guided on how to manage mild nosebleeds at home and when to seek emergency care. Telemedicine can be a convenient way to discuss nosebleeds, but some situations require in-person evaluation. Knowing what information to share and how to prepare can make the visit smoother and more effective.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Nosebleed lasting longer than 20 minutes despite applying pressure — seek emergency care immediately.
• Difficulty breathing or choking during a nosebleed — call emergency services right away.
• Nosebleeds following a head injury — urgent in-person evaluation needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate nosebleeds in children.
• Providing guidance on home care and prevention strategies.
• Determining if further in-person evaluation or tests are needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe or uncontrolled bleeding requiring immediate intervention.
• Nosebleeds associated with breathing difficulties or choking.
• Evaluation after trauma or head injury.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's nosebleeds, including how often they happen, how long they last, and if they are heavy. They may ask if your child has any other symptoms like bruising or bleeding elsewhere. You might be asked to show the inside of your child's nose using the camera. The provider will give advice on managing nosebleeds and may suggest tests or in-person care if needed.

How to Prepare for the Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit, gather information about your child's nosebleeds. Note when they started, how often they occur, and any triggers you have noticed. Have a list of any medications or supplements your child takes. Find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet connection for the visit. Have tissues and a flashlight ready in case the provider asks to see inside the nose.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child has very heavy bleeding that does not stop after 20 minutes of applying pressure, difficulty breathing, or if the nosebleed follows a head injury, seek emergency care immediately. Also, if nosebleeds are frequent, very heavy, or accompanied by other symptoms like easy bruising or bleeding gums, an in-person visit is important for further evaluation.

Tips for Managing Nosebleeds at Home

To help stop a nosebleed, have your child sit up and lean slightly forward. Pinch the soft part of the nose for 10 to 20 minutes without releasing pressure. Avoid lying down or tilting the head back. Applying a cold compress to the nose or cheeks may help. Keep your child's nails short to prevent nose picking, and use a humidifier to keep nasal passages moist.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the date and time of the first and most recent nosebleeds.
• Record how often and how long the nosebleeds last.
• List any other symptoms your child has, such as bruising or bleeding elsewhere.
• Prepare a list of your child's current medications and supplements.
• Find a quiet, well-lit area with a stable internet connection for the visit.
• Have tissues, a flashlight, and a mirror ready for the provider to see inside the nose if asked.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on home care and prevention.
• Monitor your child's nosebleeds for any changes in frequency or severity.
• Schedule an in-person visit if recommended or if red flags develop.
• Keep a record of future nosebleeds to share with your healthcare provider.
• Use a humidifier in your child's room to keep nasal passages moist if advised.

FAQs

What causes nosebleeds in children?

Nosebleeds in children often happen because the inside of the nose is dry or irritated. Common causes include dry air, nose picking, allergies, colds, or minor injuries to the nose.

Can I treat my child's nosebleed at home?

Yes, most nosebleeds can be treated at home by having your child sit up, lean forward, and pinch the soft part of their nose for 10 to 20 minutes. Avoid letting them tilt their head back or lie down.

When should I call for emergency help?

Call emergency services if the nosebleed lasts longer than 20 minutes despite applying pressure, if your child has trouble breathing, or if the nosebleed follows a head injury.

Will my child need tests for frequent nosebleeds?

If nosebleeds happen often or are very heavy, the healthcare provider may recommend tests to check for underlying causes such as bleeding disorders or nasal problems.

Is telemedicine a good option for nosebleeds?

Telemedicine can be helpful for initial assessment and guidance on managing mild to moderate nosebleeds. However, severe bleeding or other urgent symptoms require in-person care.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child experiences severe symptoms or red flags, seek emergency medical attention immediately.