Nosebleeds, also known as epistaxis, are caused by broken blood vessels in the nose and are very common in children. There are a variety of triggers, and while most of these are benign and transient, there are some exceptions that you need to be aware of, as well as some things you can do to prevent nosebleeds in the future.
Are Nosebleeds Common in Kids?
It has been said that as many as 60% of people will have at least 1 nosebleed during their life, and for the lucky ones who only have a few nosebleeds, many of these will occur during childhood.
Ages 2 to 10 and 60+ are significantly more likely to experience these issues, and there are numerous reasons for this. Where the first age group is concerned, the main issue is nose-picking, but children also tend to have more sinus problems and colds, and these are known triggers as well.
What Causes Nosebleeds in Children?
The vast majority of nosebleeds are completely benign. In fact, while nosebleeds can occur as a result of sinus and brain tumors, these often present with other symptoms first and it’s rare for them to present only with nosebleeds.
Some of the common causes of nosebleeds in children include:
- Nose-picking
- Foreign objects getting stuck up the nose
- Sinus infections
- Cold and flu
- Nose-blowing and sneezing
- Dry and cold air
How are Nosebleeds Treated?
You can use Nampons to treat a nosebleed quickly and painlessly. These little pads naturally expand to promote clotting and eradicate mess, and they contain a clotting agent that has been used by countless medical professionals throughout the United States.
If you don’t have any Nampons to hand, follow these steps:
- Make sure your child is calm.
- Instruct them to sit straight and lean forward slightly.
- Don’t let them lie down and don’t tilt their head back. You should also refrain from asking them to put their head between their knees.
- Ask them to breathe through their mouth.
- Pinch the soft part of their nostrils gently for up to 10 minutes. Don’t stop to check if the bleeding has ceased.
- Apply a cold compress to the top of their nose.
- If the bleeding does not stop, repeat these steps until it does.
Once the bleeding has stopped, you need to make sure the child does not pick, blow, or rub their nose, as this may remove the clot and cause another bleed.
When to See a Doctor
If the bleeding does not stop, you should consult with an emergency care provider. Generally, the bleeding will stop in a few minutes and it doesn’t become a concern unless it continues for over 15 minutes. If the bleeding is heavy and prolonged, they may recommend medical intervention.
If the nosebleeds are persistent, occurring one or more times a day for several days, and there is no direct, obvious, and harmless cause (such as picking a scab or clot) then you should book an appointment with your doctor.
It’s worth stressing, however, that the vast majority of nosebleeds are harmless and are usually not anything to worry about.
Prevention Tips
In the event that your child is suffering from repeat nosebleeds, you may find some relief by doing the following:
- Use a humidifier in their bedroom at night, as this will prevent their nasal passages from being dry and cracked.
- Add some Vaseline to their nostrils multiple times a day to protect them.
- Warn them about the dangers of nose picking.
- Make sure they clean their hands regularly.
- Trim their fingernails.
- Refrain from smoking near your child.
- Use saline sprays or drops to lubricate their nose.
Key Points: Nosebleeds in Children
To summarize, here are the key points concerning nosebleeds in children:
- They are common.
- They are usually nothing to worry about.
- Consult with a medical professional if they occur frequently.
- Consult with an emergency contact if a nosebleed lasts for more than 15 minutes.
- Teach them good habits to avoid nosebleeds.
- Avoid anything that will excessively dry their nasal passages.
- Don’t smoke around them.
