There are numerous causes for nosebleeds. Such causes can range from common issues, such as nose dryness, to much more serious issues. The following information will help you gain a better understanding as to what causes nosebleeds in children, as well as how best to treat and help prevent nosebleeds from occurring.
Causes of Chronic Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds can be caused by a number of different environmental and physical factors. Some of the most common include:
- Irritation and swelling due to allergies or a cold
- Nose picking
- Blowing the nose too hard
- Getting hit in nose, or in close proximity to it
- Inserting something up the nose
- Low levels of humidity which leads to a drying out of the nose lining mucosa
- Prolonged exposure to toxic fumes
Most of these nosebleed causes of can be prevented. If your notice your child habitually engaging in such behaviours, it is important to try correct the behavior as it happens. This will help your child gain a better understanding of how to better take care of their nose and prevent nosebleeds.
Low humidity levels can be remedied with the use of a humidifier that is designed for a specific room or home size. In all cases, if your child is being exposed to toxic fumes, remove him or her to fresh air as quickly as possible.
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent a child getting hit in the nose, as this is generally accidental. If nosebleeds occur after even the slightest bump, you should check with your ear, nose, and throat specialist to see if there is an underlying problem.
Serious Causes of Nosebleeds
There are some more serious causes of nosebleeds, and these are often related to chronic nosebleeds. Such causes include:
- Abnormalities in the structures located inside the nose
- Abnormal tissue or polyps that grow on the inside of the nose
- Blood clotting disorders
- Use of aspirin or other blood-thinning medications
- Long term illnesses, especially those that require the use of oxygen
Each of these causes can create serious complications. You should always contact your child’s doctor if you feel that any of these problems are resulting in chronic nosebleeds.
Nosebleed Treatments
We would all like to ensure that our children do not have to deal with nosebleeds, but sometimes this is just not possible. If your child has a nosebleed, there are several things you can do to stop the flow of blood:
- Keep your cool – children are frightened when they see their own blood, so it is up to you to keep everyone calm – including yourself. Even if the bleeding is more severe than normal, try to maintain a sense of calm so you do not frighten your child even more.
- Have your child lean forward slightly, and if possible, have him or her blow their nose very gently. Make sure they do not blow using very much pressure.
- Pinch the lower, fleshy part of the nose together for 10 minutes – without letting go to check for bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop you should go to your nearest emergency room.
Dealing with chronic nosebleeds can be stressful, especially if you do not know what is causing them. If you are concerned about abnormal nosebleeds, contact your doctor to make sure that there is not an underlying problem causing the issue.
If you have questions about nosebleeds, contact your local doctor, who will arrange for you see an ear nose throat surgeon.