Why Does My Child Keep Getting Nose Bleeds?

Nose Bleeds

What are the causes of recurring nosebleeds?

  • Allergies, infections, or dryness that cause itching and lead to picking of the nose
  • Vigorous nose blowing ruptures superficial blood vessels
  • Clotting disorders that run-in families or are due to medications
  • Drugs (such as anticoagulants or anti-inflammatories)
  • Fractures of the nose or the base of the skull. Head injuries that cause nosebleeds should be regarded seriously.
  • Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, a disorder involving a blood vessel growth like a birthmark in the back of the nose
  • Tumors, both malignant and nonmalignant, must be considered, particularly in the older patient or in smokers
When should an otolaryngologist be consulted?

If frequent nosebleeds are a problem, it is important to consult an otolaryngologist. An ear, nose, and the nose, prior to making a treatment recommendation. Two of the most common treatments are cautery and packing the nose. Cautery is a technique in which the blood vessel is burned with an electric current, silver nitrate, or a laser. Sometimes, a doctor may just pack the nose with a special gauze or an inflatable latex balloon to put pressure on the blood vessel.

Tips to prevent a nosebleed
  • Keep the lining of the nose moist by gently applying a light coating of petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment with a cotton swab three times daily, including at bedtime. Commonly used products include Bacitracin, A and D Ointment, Eucerin, Polysporin, and Vaseline.
  • Keep children’s fingernails short to discourage nose picking.
  • Counteract the effects of dry air by using a humidifier.
  • Use a saline nasal spray to moisten dry nasal membranes.
  • Quit smoking. Smoking dries out the nose and irritates it.
Tips to prevent rebleeding after initial bleeding has stopped
  • Do not pick or blow nose.
  • Do not strain or bend down to lift anything heavy.
  • Keep head higher than the heart
If rebleeding occurs
  • Attempt to clear nose of all blood clots.
  • Spray nose four times in the bleeding nostril(s) with a decongestant spray such as Afrin or Neo-Synephrine.
  • Repeat the steps to stop an anterior nosebleed.
  • Call a doctor if bleeding persists after 30 minutes or if nosebleed occurs after an injury to the head.

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