Nosebleeds in Children

When to Seek Medical Attention for Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are a common occurrence, especially among children. They can happen at any time and quite often take parents by surprise. While most nosebleeds are harmless and can be treated at home, they can certainly look scary, and there are some situations where medical attention may be required. If you’re wondering when is a nosebleed serious, we’re here to help! We’ll go over some of the warning signs and top concerns you should take into account, how to prevent some causes of nosebleeds, and when to get in touch with a healthcare professional.

Nosebleeds in Children: When to Worry

Nosebleeds are more common in children than adults because children’s blood vessels are more delicate and their noses are still developing, as well as their general affinity for sports and rough play.

There are two main types of nosebleeds: anterior and posterior. Anterior nosebleeds are the most common type. They occur in the soft tissue at the front of the nose and are not typically serious. They can be caused by impact, allergies, illness, and even dry air.

Posterior nosebleeds, on the other hand, happen in the rear of the nose. These tend to be heavier and can be more difficult to stop bleeding. If you or your child is experiencing the following symptoms, get in touch with a healthcare professional right away:

• The bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes of applying pressure.
• The bleeding is heavy or forceful.
• Your child has difficulty breathing.
• Your child swallows a lot of blood.
• Your child has other symptoms, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
• The nosebleed is caused by an injury or blow to the face.
• Your child has a history of frequent nosebleeds.

When is a Nosebleed Serious?

A nosebleed is considered serious if it is heavy, does not stop after 20 minutes of applying pressure, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. These symptoms may indicate significant blood loss or that there may be an underlying medical condition.

Preventing Nosebleeds

There are several things you can do to help prevent nosebleeds, including:

• Keep your child’s nose moist. Use a saline nasal spray or humidifier to keep your nasal passages moist.
• Avoid nose picking. Nose picking can damage delicate blood vessels and lead to nosebleeds.
• Allergies and colds can cause inflammation in the nose, which can lead to nosebleeds.
• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. Smoking and secondhand smoke can irritate the nose and lead to nosebleeds.
• Use a humidifier in your child’s bedroom at night. This can help to keep your child’s nasal passages moist and reduce the risk of nosebleeds.

If you have any questions or concerns about nosebleeds, please talk to your doctor or Pediatrician.

Identifying Potentially Serious Nosebleeds

Injuries and nosebleeds do not typically stick to a 9-5 schedule. If you are wondering about nosebleeds in children, when to worry, and what to do next, you can contact Hello Pediatrics for pediatric telehealth services. Our board-certified Pediatricians can provide a quick assessment of your child’s symptoms and offer guidance on whether or not you need to seek additional medical attention, or the next steps to take at home.

Nosebleeds are a common occurrence and are rarely serious. However, if you are concerned about a nosebleed in your child, please seek medical attention quickly. Hello Pediatrics can provide after-hours pediatric telehealth, helping you identify and care for potentially serious nosebleeds.