What are Nosebleeds?

Nosebleeds are also known as epistaxis. These can occur any time without any apparent reason. These are featured by the coming out of the blood from one nostril, while at times, it is seen that both the nostrils can be affected by this.

Causes of Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are often seen to happen without any cause (or idiopathic in nature), or the cause remains unknown in the nosebleeds. In children, any irritation caused to the delicate mucus membrane that lines the nose, may be due to a cold effect or due to the dryness caused by the central heating and other factors, is most commonly seen as being the major cause of the nosebleeds.

This is because the irritation and dryness results in the membrane to crack, become crusted and inflamed, which hence leads to it bleeding. Any damage to the nose, like bumps or hits or blowing of the nose vigorously, may also result in the nosebleeds. In rare conditions, nosebleeds are caused by tumors and thrombocytopenia, a shortage of platelets which function as a plug to the damaged blood vessels. Children with persisting respiratory problems become more prone to suffering from nosebleeds.

Types of Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds can be divided into two types, namely – anterior and posterior. Anterior nosebleeds are when the origin of the nosebleed is from the vein. The children usually suffer from this type of nosebleeds. Posterior nosebleeds are when the origin of the nosebleed is the artery, instead of the vein. Most of the older people are more likely to suffer from this type of nosebleed.

Nosebleeds are Symptoms of

The most obvious symptom is the coming out of the blood from either or both the nostrils. Loss of blood is the resultant condition of this. At times, the child may become aware of the blood gushing down his or her throat from the back of the nose, this becomes more apparent when the child lies down or holds his head back, also causing bad taste.

Treatment of Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are easily treatable. All you need to do is keep the child calm when the nosebleed happens. Ask the child then to tip their head forward while breathing from the mouth. In the meantime pinching the soft part of the nose together, just below the bone, and keeping it like that pushing towards the face for five minutes should resolve the problem.

One should make sure that the child’s head is held up before the heart’s level. The child should not be asked to lean back in any case as it may lead to the blood running down the throat. Ask the child to rest after the nosebleed. Nose-blowing, picking or rough playing should be discouraged at such point of times.

One can also make use of the ice pack against the face, in case of extreme nosebleeds and then consult a doctor. It is essential for you to consult a doctor if the child suffers from frequent nosebleeds, has got something stuck into the nose, has problems with blood clotting, bruises easily, and suffers from heavy loss of blood even from a minor wound.

In case the child is suffering from the nosebleed accompanied by dizziness or weakness, which is the cause of a head injury or otherwise, contact a doctor immediately. In frequent nosebleed cases, doctors make use of the surgical treatment to seal the blood vessels.

How To Prevent Nosebleeds

It is essential for you to keep the mucosa of the child’s nose membrane moist, especially during the winter season when the use of blowers may trigger the nosebleeds. One can make use of a humidifier in the room, a saline nasal spray or apply a little petroleum jelly just inside the nostril.

Although people and children tend to get scared by the nosebleeds, nosebleeds very rarely do become a cause of major concern health wise. It is extremely common amongst kids between the ages of 3 to 10 and usually the kids manage to stop their noses from bleeding themselves. Only rarely do they require any medical attention.

In case of younger children, one can keep the nails of the children cut short in order to prevent any damage to the inside of the nose while nose picking.