Nosebleeds are more common in children than adults.
Most parents have experienced dealing with their children with nosebleeds. Despite the fact that nosebleeds are quite common, we understand that this does not make a nosebleed any less scary for you as a parent. The sight of so much blood can be just as traumatic for your child.
Chronic nosebleeds warrant visiting ENT for Children. Here is a look at some of the reasons why your child may have a nosebleed.
Common Colds
The common cold is so common that children will often get sick more than once a year. It doesn’t help that they wipe their nose with their hands without washing. It is nearly impossible to keep children germ free.
The tender tissues inside the nose become inflamed and swollen when we have a cold. This can be the cause of a nosebleed. Allergies are also often the cause of a nosebleed. Hay fever is another big cause of nosebleeds in children.
Dry Air
Nosebleeds can come out of nowhere in areas of a dry climate. Dry air is not always a result of hot weather either. Even in the colder months, dry air can cause nosebleeds because the dry air dries out the inner lining of the nose. When the inner lining becomes dry, the lining is easily irritated and bleeding may be the result. If you live in a dry climate, a humidifier can help greatly with nosebleeds caused by dry air.
Physical Behavior
Children tend to pick their noses. Nose picking can cause enough damage to lead to a nosebleed. Blowing a nose too hard can also lead to nose bleeds. This type of nosebleed is also often associated with nosebleeds related to colds. The best way to prevent this type of nosebleed is to teach a child good habits.
Blood Thinning
Conditions that thin the blood and work against blood clotting can make a child more susceptible to nose bleeds. One example of this is a common condition known as hemophilia. Some medications can actually thin the blood, including Aspirin.
Deviated Septum
A deviated septum, where the centre portion of the nose is not even, can lead to chronic nosebleeds. Abnormal growths, such as polyps, can also lead to chronic nosebleeds.
While most nosebleeds in children are not serious, if your child experiences nosebleeds on a regular basis, it is certainly worth visiting our specialists at ENT for Children. While often not the case, in some instances, your child’s problem of nosebleeds may be linked to an underlying illness. Our ENT specialists will be able to rule out any serious problems and give you the best course of action.