Red flags & when to go in person for Nosebleed

Audience: pediatric

Nosebleeds are common in children and often can be managed safely at home or through telemedicine. Many nosebleeds happen due to dryness, minor injury, or irritation and stop on their own or with simple care. However, some nosebleeds may signal a more serious problem and require in-person medical attention. This guide helps parents and caregivers understand when telemedicine can support care for a child's nosebleed and when to seek urgent or emergency care. Knowing the warning signs and how to prepare for a telehealth visit can help protect your child's health and ensure they get the right care at the right time.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Nosebleed lasting longer than 20 minutes despite pressure—seek emergency care immediately.
• Nosebleed after a head injury or fall—go to in-person care promptly.
• Signs of heavy bleeding, weakness, dizziness, or difficulty breathing—seek urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Minor nosebleeds that stop quickly with home care.
• Advice on preventing future nosebleeds.
• Follow-up questions about nosebleed management.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Nosebleeds lasting more than 20 minutes despite pressure.
• Nosebleeds after trauma or head injury.
• Severe bleeding with signs of shock or breathing difficulty.
• Frequent nosebleeds with other bleeding or bruising symptoms.

What Causes Nosebleeds in Children?

Nosebleeds in kids often happen because the inside of the nose is dry or irritated. Common causes include picking the nose, rubbing it too hard, allergies, colds, or dry air. Sometimes, bumps or minor injuries to the nose can cause bleeding. Most nosebleeds start in the front part of the nose and are not serious.

How to Manage a Nosebleed at Home

To help stop a nosebleed:

When to Use Telemedicine for Nosebleeds

Telemedicine can be helpful if your child has a minor nosebleed that stops quickly or if you want advice on preventing future nosebleeds. A healthcare provider can guide you on home care, check for any concerns, and decide if further care is needed. Telehealth works well for follow-up questions or if your child has known mild nosebleeds without other symptoms.

Red Flags That Need In-Person Care

Some signs mean you should seek in-person medical care right away:

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your telemedicine appointment:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit area for the telemedicine visit.
• Gather information on when the nosebleed started and how long it lasted.
• Prepare to describe how you managed the nosebleed at home.
• Have your child's medical history and current medications ready.
• Keep tissues or a clean cloth nearby during the visit.
• Note any other symptoms your child is experiencing.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on home care and prevention.
• Monitor your child for any new or worsening symptoms.
• Schedule an in-person visit if recommended or if red flags appear.
• Keep a record of any future nosebleeds, including frequency and severity.
• Ensure your child avoids nose picking and uses humidifiers if air is dry.

FAQs

What should I do if my child has a nosebleed?

Have your child sit up and lean forward slightly. Pinch the soft part of the nose for 10 to 15 minutes without letting go. Avoid tilting the head back or lying down. If bleeding stops, keep your child calm and avoid nose picking.

When should I worry about a nosebleed?

Seek medical care if the bleeding lasts more than 20 minutes despite pressure, if your child has heavy bleeding, feels weak or dizzy, has trouble breathing, or if the nosebleed follows a head injury.

Can telemedicine help with nosebleeds?

Yes, telemedicine can provide advice for managing minor nosebleeds, help prevent future episodes, and guide when to seek in-person care. However, severe or prolonged bleeding requires in-person evaluation.

How can I prevent my child’s nosebleeds?

Keep the inside of the nose moist with saline sprays or gels, use a humidifier in dry environments, discourage nose picking, and manage allergies or colds promptly.

Sources

1. Nosebleeds — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Epistaxis (Nosebleed) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Nosebleeds (Epistaxis) in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
4. Epistaxis — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If your child has severe symptoms or if you are concerned, seek immediate medical care.