health
Is your child suddenly a mini blood fountain? Don’ t panic! Nosebleeds are more common( and manageable) than you think. Find out what causes them and how to stop them fast!
While nosebleeds can look dramatic, they’ re usually harmless and very common in kids.
“ Nosebleeds in children can happen for a number of reasons,” says Dr Nandipa Mafongosi, paediatrician and senior medical advisor at Bestmed Medical Scheme.“ Dry air( especially from heaters or air conditioners), frequent nose-picking, blowing the nose too hard, minor injuries to the nose or irritation from colds and allergies are all common culprits.”
Young children between two and 10 years old are especially prone to nosebleeds and they’ re more frequent in the winter months or during dry weather.“ The blood vessels in the front part of the nose are sensitive in children,” explains Dr Mafongosi.“ This makes them susceptible to bleeding.”
Could it be more than dry air?
“ Allergies and colds could lead to nasal inflammation and increased mucus production,” says Dr Mafongosi.“ When they’ re ill, it’ s normal for children to rub or blow their noses often, but this causes irritation or it can damage the blood vessels inside the nose.”
And while it’ s less common, recurring nosebleeds could be a sign of an underlying issue.“ Conditions such as
bleeding disorders( like haemophilia), platelet disorders or chronic sinusitis can lead to frequent nosebleeds,” she warns. If your child bruises easily or there’ s a family history of bleeding disorders, it’ s best to get them checked out by a doctor.
There are also some everyday things that can set off a nosebleed.“ Some unexpected triggers include excessive and forceful nose-blowing, contact with cigarette smoke, dry indoor air, regular use of decongestant nasal sprays and even specific medications such as antihistamines,” says Dr Mafongosi.
How to prevent nosebleeds
Prevention is often as simple as a few everyday tweaks. Dr Mafongosi shares her top tips:
•“ Keep your child’ s nails short to prevent nose-picking injuries.”
•“ Use a humidifier in dry weather to add moisture to the air.”
•“ Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly or saline gel inside the nose to keep it moist.”
•“ Teach gentle nose-blowing techniques.”
•“ Manage allergies properly to reduce nasal irritation.”
If a nosebleed does happen, don’ t panic! It’ s easy to manage at home if you know what to do.“ Have your child sit up straight and lean slightly forward to avoid them swallowing blood. Pinch the soft part of the nose( just beneath the bridge) and hold the pressure for 10 minutes. Have them breathe through the mouth during that time. Keeping calm also helps.”
Common mistakes to avoid
Even with the best intentions, parents can sometimes make the situation worse. Dr Mafongosi points out a few common errors:
• Tilting the child’ s head back( hello, swallowed blood)
• Stuffing tissues or cotton into the nose( which can irritate the lining further)
• Letting go too early while pinching
• Panicking – remember: your calm helps keep their blood pressure( and stress) down
When to see a doctor
Dr Mafongosi recommends seeking medical help if:
• The nosebleed lasts longer than 20 minutes despite pressure
• There’ s a lot of blood loss
• The child feels faint or dizzy
• There’ s bleeding after a head injury
• The nosebleeds are frequent or getting worse
“ With a few simple precautions and the right response when they happen, nosebleeds don’ t have to be a big worry,” Dr Mafongosi assures us.“ It’ s all about staying cool and being prepared.” �
28 www. babysandbeyond. co. za