The causes of nosebleeds in children can vary. Although it looks terrible, nosebleeds are commonplace in children aged 3-10 years. So, you don't need to worry, because nosebleeds in children are usually not dangerous.
Nosebleed or epistaxis is a condition when there is bleeding from inside the nose. Basically, the cause of nosebleeds in children is the rupture of small blood vessels or capillaries in the nose. This can be caused by many factors, both environmental factors or children's health factors.
Factors that cause nosebleeds in children
There are various things that can cause nosebleeds in children. Following are some of them:
1. Dry air
Dry air is the most common cause of nosebleeds in children. Dry air can occur either because the air in the room is hot or the climate is dry. Dry air can cause the mucous membranes of the child's nose to dry and irritated, resulting in nosebleeds.
2. Scratching or picking nose
Scratching or picking the nose too deep is also a common cause of nosebleeds in children. This habit can tear the blood vessels in the nasal wall, especially if the child has long nails or picks the nose with a sharp object.
3. Injury
Injury in the form of a blow to the nose, for example while playing, can cause the blood vessels in the nose to burst, causing nosebleeds in children. Injuries can also injure larger blood vessels, resulting in more nosebleeds.
4. Colds, allergies, and sinuses
Diseases with nasal congestion symptoms, such as allergies, colds, and sinusitis, will usually irritate the inside of the child's nose, triggering nosebleeds.
5. Bacterial infection
Bacterial infections of the nose can also cause irritation. This irritation is usually characterized by sores, redness, and crusting inside the nose and in front of the nostrils. If the wound is deep enough in the nose and hits the blood vessels, nosebleeds can occur.
How to Handle Nosebleeds in Children
The following are some steps you can take to deal with nosebleeds in children:
- Stay calm and don't panic.
- Ask your child to sit up straight in a chair or on your lap.
- Tilt the child's head slightly forward (half bent).
- Do not let the child lean or tilt his head, because this can cause blood to flow down the throat and be swallowed by the child.
- Ask the child to breathe through the mouth and gently pinch the nostrils of the child with a tissue or clean cloth for about 10 minutes. Do not stop too soon, because bleeding can occur again.
- Ask your child to take a break after the nosebleed dries up.
- Supervise the child not to scratch, rub, or blow his nose too hard.
How to Prevent Nosebleeds in Children
Some children experience nosebleeds more often. If your child is like this, do the following ways to prevent nosebleeds:
- Use a humidifier (humidifier) in the child's room, especially when the air in the house is dry.
- clean up humidifier regularly so that germs and fungi do not grow in it.
- Teach children not to blow their nose too hard and pick their nose too deep.
- Apply petroleum jelly in the child's nostrils periodically to moisten the mucous membranes in the child's nose.
- Do not smoke near children and keep children away from secondhand smoke.
Most of the causes of nosebleeds in children are harmless, but some serious diseases can also be characterized by nosebleeds. If your little one suddenly experiences a very heavy nosebleed or a nosebleed accompanied by bleeding elsewhere, you should immediately take him to the doctor for proper examination and treatment.