Is a Child's Nose Bleeding Dangerous?

Nosebleeds are often seen in children, and most of the time they are not severe enough to cause great concern. Since children are vulnerable to all sorts of ailments because of their high level of activity or their sensitivity to the environment, it is normal for them to experience a few nosebleeds.

Causes

• Nosebleeds in children can be caused by frequent nose picking, hot and cold weather conditions, colds, allergies and injury to the nose.

Concern

• Parents should not worry excessively when their child has a nosebleed. However, certain signs should illicit concern. These signs include nonstop and heavy bleeding, difficulty with breathing or the presence of any foreign object in the nasal area.

Treatment

• A common method to stop the nose from bleeding is pinching the nostrils together or applying ice or a cold pack to the nose.

Prevention

• Keep the nostril area clean and moist. Humidifiers and nasal sprays can help to alleviate nasal dryness caused by such conditions as allergies.

What to Avoid

• Avoid obstructions to the nose and reduce nose picking. Tissue should not be stuffed inside the nose to stop bleeding.