Nosebleeds

What Causes Nosebleeds?

A nosebleed occurs when the interior lining of the nose becomes irritated or dries out. Common causes of nosebleeds in children include:

• Allergic rhinitis
• Nose picking
• Use of nasal steroids
• Nasal foreign bodies
• Exposure to dry and warm air, particularly at night
• Vigorous nose blowing
• Crooked (deviated) septum

Treating Nosebleeds at Home

Many children with nosebleeds find relief using nasal saline gels or spray, or other ointments like Aquaphor. Nighttime cool mist humidification helps children with nocturnal nosebleeds. Stopping nasal steroids or shifting the spray away from the septum can assist those using nasal steroids. Some children continue to have nosebleeds and may benefit from cauterization.

When Should My Child See a Doctor?

You should visit an ENT nasal specialist if your child experiences frequent nosebleeds, is having difficulty breathing, the bleeding continues after 20 minutes or your child’s symptoms are the result of an injury to the face.

Children who experience repeated nosebleeds that do not improve with medical treatment may need a procedure to stop the bleeding. The most common source of nosebleeds in children is exposed blood vessels on the surface of the front (anterior) part of the nasal septum (the central cartilage dividing the nasal passages).

Nasal cautery involves cauterizing the exposed blood vessels on the surface of the septum. It can be performed in the office or as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. For in-office nasal cautery, we first apply a local anesthetic and decongestant combination inside the nose. The blood vessels are then cauterized using a chemical agent, such as silver nitrate. The nose is rinsed to remove any excess chemical, and antibiotic ointment is applied. The procedure typically takes about 5 minutes and is well tolerated by most older children.

For younger children and those who are hesitant to have this done in the office, the procedure is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. The procedure is similar to the office version, but electrocautery can be used in the operating room in addition to chemical cautery. Recovery from the outpatient procedure usually takes about one day.

We’re Here To Treat Your Child’s Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are often just an inconvenience, but it’s important to seek medical attention if they don’t stop on their own. Our otolaryngologists at ENT for Children are here to help your child’s nose stop bleeding and ensure that it is not caused by something more serious. Contact our office today if their symptoms are persistent.