Nosebleeds in children- Not a major medical condition

Nosebleeds are a very common condition in children, and are usually not associated with any major medical condition. However, the sight of blood coming out of their child's nose can be a frightening experience for any parents. But this condition can be easily treated at home. Only frequent nosebleeds may require medical intervention, especially if they are associated with some major problems like bleeding disorders.

What causes nosebleeds in children?
The most common causes of nosebleeds are common cold and allergies. Both the conditions can cause congestion in the nasal cavity. As a result, the tiny blood vessels present in the nasal cavity can rupture either spontaneously, or with slight irritation. Similarly, a trauma can also cause the small blood vessels or capillaries of the nasal cavity to burst and bleed.

Apart from allergies and common cold, some other factors that can cause a nosebleed are, a sinus infection, the habit of pricking the nose, dry air, and a bacterial infection. A bacterial infection of the nasal mucosa can cause the development of a sore or crusty area in the nose, which can bleed occasionally.

However, some children are likely to experience frequent or recurrent nosebleeds. This can happen, if the nose is irritated to the extent that the small blood vessels of the nasal cavity get exposed. Such blood vessels can rupture and bleed even with the slightest irritation. Rarely, frequent nosebleeds can have an association with bleeding disorders. In such a situation, you can observe unusual bleeding from other parts of the body as well.

How to stop a nosebleed?
Parents have a tendency to panic when they spot blood in their child's nose. However, there is no reason to panic, as this condition is usually not associated with any serious disease. Moreover, if you panic, your child would be quick to follow you. Therefore, stay calm and make your child sit in an upright position. Do not let your child to lie down, or tilt his or her head backward. Instead, ask him or her to lean slightly forward.

Now, take a tissue or a soft cloth, and pinch the soft part of the nose, beneath the bony ridge. Keep pressing like that for about 10 minutes, until the bleeding stops completely. If the bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes, then press the area again for another 5 to 10 minutes. In the meantime, ask your child to breathe normally through the mouth and stay calm. You can also apply ice or a cold pack on that area to stop the bleeding quickly.

Once the bleeding has stopped, moisturize the nasal mucosa with petroleum jelly. If you observe sore areas inside the nose, then use an antibiotic ointment. You can talk to a paediatrician regarding what type of antibiotic ointments can be used for your child.

Once the bleeding has stopped, moisturize the nasal mucosa with petroleum jelly. If you observe sore areas inside the nose, then use an antibiotic ointment. You can talk to a paediatrician regarding what type of antibiotic ointments can be used for your child.

So, nosebleeds are usually not related to any major health problem. But if you fail to stop the bleeding even after the application of ice or pressure on the soft area beneath the nose bridge, then it is better to take the help of a paediatrician. Your paediatrician will most probably put silver nitrate on the spot, or use nose drops to constrict the blood vessels. A paediatrician can properly evaluate the condition, and find out if any disease or disorder is associated with nosebleeds.