Puberty is a tough time, and not just for the parents. The body undergoes number of major changes; it can be stressful, tiring, and many of the effects of puberty come as a complete surprise to parents and children alike.
For instance, while you’re probably expecting moodiness, growth spurts, and acne, you might not realize that nosebleeds also become more common during this time.
Why Nosebleeds Appear During Puberty
The likelihood of getting a nosebleed increases during puberty but they’re not exactly common. Most kids won’t experience them, and they may even have them less than they did when they were younger.
One of the most common demographics for nosebleeds is children between the ages of 2 and 10, although a lot of this is down to mental maturity, as they are more likely to pick their noses and shove crayons up there. But it’s not uncommon for a child to have no nosebleeds during this time and then experience them more frequently during puberty.
This is the result of hormonal changes and occurs as the blood vessels in the nose expand. The nosebleeds are spontaneous and don’t always have an obvious or direct cause. They occur much more frequently in boys but can appear in both sexes.
How to Deal with Nosebleeds During Puberty
There is a lot of misinformation out there about nosebleeds, including the belief that you should tilt your head back to prevent the blood from being lost, as if blood that pools in your stomach if going to somehow find its way back into your veins.
If you or your child has a nosebleed, simply sit down, tilt your head forward slightly (but don’t put it between your legs) and gently pinch the soft part of your nose. You should hold this position for between 5 and 10 minutes, making sure you refrain from releasing the pinch just to see if the bleeding has stopped.
Don’t lie down, don’t bend too far, and don’t blow or pick your nose soon afterward.
Nampons can help if you experience nosebleeds on a regular basis. They will promote clotting and keep the mess to a minimum.
When Should you Worry?
If you experience nosebleeds on a regular basis, you should consult with a doctor. The vast majority of nosebleeds are harmless and have direct and innocent causes, but there are exceptions to that rule and it’s worth getting a diagnosis just in case.
You should also seek emergency care if the bleeding continues for over 15 minutes. Such issues are typically reserved for people who take blood thinning medications but can occur under other circumstances and may require medical intervention.
