Epistaxis
Epistaxis, or nosebleeds, are common in children and can be alarming but are usually not serious. Most nosebleeds occur from the front part of the nose which contains many small, fragile blood vessels. Nosebleeds can occur from one or both nostrils, often after nose picking, dry air exposure or minor nasal trauma. While most nosebleeds are brief and easy to stop at home, frequent or severe episodes may require medical evaluation.
Several risk factors can make children prone to nosebleeds. Dry indoor air, especially during the winter months or in dry climates, can dry out the nasal lining and cause cracking or irritation. Nose picking, frequent colds or allergies and trauma are also common causes. Rarely, children may have underlying conditions such as bleeding disorders or take medications that thin the blood.
For most simple nosebleeds, medical management at home includes having your child sit upright and lean slightly forward while you pinch the soft part of their nose for about 10 minutes. Using a humidifier, nasal saline sprays, and applying a thin layer of nasal ointment inside the nostrils can help prevent future episodes by keeping the nasal lining moisturized.
If nosebleeds are frequent, severe, or hard to control, your pediatrician may refer your child to our specialists at ENT for Kids. In the office, our team can perform nasal cautery, a procedure that uses a chemical (silver nitrate) to seal off the bleeding blood vessels. This is typically done in the office with local anesthesia applied into the nose. In rare or more persistent cases, surgical cautery may be indicated. With proper management and care, most children outgrow nosebleeds or experience them much less frequently as they get older.
If you’re concerned about your child’s nosebleeds, please reach out to us to arrange a consultation.