The first time your child has a nosebleed, it most likely terrifies your child as well as you. It’s a scary sight and once you have it under control, you want to know why it happened. Some children have recurrent nosebleeds. Here is some information if you are dealing with frequent nosebleeds: causes and prevention for kids.
The Most Common Causes of Kids’ Nosebleeds
Young children have tender blood vessels in the front of their noses, so they can easily be damaged. When a child has a nosebleed, it typically occurs in this front part of the nose. As a parent, expect that your child may get them if you live in a dry climate, and especially
during the cold winter months. The dry heat in your home and in your car can make the situation even worse. It is not anything to be excessively concerned about, as these types of nosebleeds are not serious. Most of them will diminish by the teen years.
Typical culprits include the following:
- If your child is in the habit of “picking” their nose
- Dry air
- Blowing their nose too violently
- Having a cold or allergy
- An injury to the nose
- Putting an object into their nose
- Bacterial infections
- Certain medications, such as nasal sprays
- Vitamin K deficiency
How to Manage Your Child’s Nosebleeds
- When your child is experiencing a nosebleed, do not panic as that will only serve to upset your child. Stay calm and have your little one tip his or her head forward. In the past we were told to lean backwards with a nosebleed, but that can cause choking.
- As your child is leaning forward, pinch the soft part of their nose and hold for 15 minutes. Encourage them to breathe out of their mouth.
- Afrin nasal spray can constrict the blood vessels in the nose to stop the bleeding. If these methods do not work, it’s time to see an ENT specialist like Coastal Ear, Nose & Throat.
- Don’t wait to seek medical care if your child feels weak, passes out, or is having difficulty breathing—go to an ER. This may indicate a loss of too much blood.
When to See an ENT Specialist
While occasional nosebleeds are common in children, there are certain situations where a visit to an ENT specialist is necessary.
Schedule an appointment if:
- Your child has frequent nosebleeds that occur multiple times a week.
- The nosebleeds are heavy or difficult to stop.
- Your child experiences nosebleeds along with other symptoms such as bruising, prolonged bleeding from minor cuts, or unexplained fatigue.
- There is a suspected nasal abnormality, such as a deviated septum or polyps.
- The nosebleeds began after a facial injury and seem persistent.
An ENT specialist can assess the underlying cause of recurrent nosebleeds and provide appropriate treatment options to manage the issue effectively.
Preventing Nosebleeds in Kids
- Picking one’s nose can become a nasty habit, so make a point to discourage them starting or continuing the habit. Keep their fingernails trimmed.
- Never put tissue or gauze in their nose to stop bleeding.
- Place a cold compress wrapped in a thin towel or cloth on the bridge of the nose. Once the bleeding has stopped, tell your child not to blow their nose, rub it, or put their fingers in their nose for 2 – 3 days to allow the blood vessels to heal.
- Invest in a humidifier for their bedroom and perhaps other areas of the home, and be sure to clean them regularly.
- Try keeping the inside of your child’s nose moist by rubbing with a little bit of vaseline or over-the-counter nasal ointment using a Q-tip.
- For most nosebleeds a little care and prevention is all that’s needed. If they become more frequent than you are comfortable with, it is best to see a specialist.
Pediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat Care in Savannah & Pooler, GA
Contact Coastal Ear, Nose & Throat at (912) 355-2335 if you become concerned about your child’s frequent nosebleeds.
