As your baby grows into a toddler, you will notice that there is never a quiet moment. They keep running around, falling and hurting themselves which can be a cause for worry. Besides, they end up falling sick sometimes too. Similarly, when you see them bleeding from the nose for apparently no reason (according to you), you tend to panic and might want to consult a doctor. Hang on. Nosebleeds are common among children aged 3-10. They stop on their own and can be easily managed at home most of the times. Continue reading to know all about nosebleeds in toddlers.
nosebleed in toddlers

  • What Is A Nosebleed In Toddlers?
  • Why Does My Toddler Have So Many Nose Bleeds?
  • Causes Of Nosebleeds In Toddlers
  • How to Handle Nosebleeds In Toddlers?
  • When To Call The Doctor?

What Is A Nosebleed In Toddlers?

Epistaxis, a medical terminology for a nosebleed is very common in babies and toddlers. If your kid is experiencing a nosebleed, the bleeding will occur in one of the nostril in majority of the cases. Also, it will be easier for you to stop the bleeding if your toddler experiences a nose bleed at the front of the nose. It will take a little longer to stop the bleeding if it is at the back of the nose.

Why Does My Toddler Have So Many Nose Bleeds?

As mentioned earlier, it is perfectly normal for your toddler to experience nose bleeds. Some toddlers or babies have multiple nose bleeds in a week. Though it can be freighting, but there is nothing to be worried about it and it will stop in sometime.

Causes Of Nosebleeds In Toddlers

Let’s take a look at some of the causes starting from the most common ones to the ones most unexpected to understand it better so that we know when rush to a doctor and when not to worry too much.

The Common Ones:

  • Cold and allergy: This is perhaps the most common cause and leads to swelling and irritation that might be the reason for bleeding. Nasal congestions, sinus infections or a bad cold could also be other causes
  • Nose picking: This could irritate the nose and expose blood vessels. Scratching could open the vessels and could cause bleeding
  • Being hit by someone while playing: Kids often end up fighting and hitting each other while playing together. A knock or a punch on the nose could cause bleeding
  • Foreign body: Toddlers often unknowingly push small things (like crayons) up their nose. This could cause irritation and bleeding

The Unexpected Ones

  • Sensitive blood vessels: If you live in place where the climate is dry, the lining of your child’s nose might dry up too and may be one of the causes for bleeding
  • Bacterial infection: The nasal lining inside the nose where the skin ends is prone to bacterial infections. This causes a sore just inside the nose and in front of the nostrils and sometimes could cause bleeding
  • Anatomical issues: At times any abnormal structure inside the nose could be a cause for crusting and bleeding
  • Abnormal tissue growth: Sometimes there could be an abnormal tissue growth inside the nose. They may be benign but might cause bleeding. In such cases you must consult a doctor
  • Blood clotting: Sometimes even commonly used medications might alter the blood clotting mechanism just enough to be a cause for bleeding
  • Long term illness: Any illness which might require long term medication or extra oxygen can dry out the lining of the nose and cause bleeding. Nose sprays used over long periods could also be a contributing factor
  • Extra strain: Sometimes when kids are constipated and they strain extra just to poop, it could lead to bleeding from the nose
  • Serious injuries: Getting knocked in the nose repeatedly could cause bleeding. This does not necessarily mean a fractured nose always

nosebleed in kids

How to Handle Nosebleeds In Toddlers?

Here are some practical tips to handle a child who’s bleeding in the nose:

  • Stay calm; don’t scare the child
  • Make sure your child is sitting/standing. Tilt his head and make him blow his nose gently, if he can
  • Gently squeeze the soft part of the nose and keep holding it for about 10 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop, repeat the process.
    But even after this if bleeding continues, you must see your pediatrician
  • Don’t stuff cotton/tissues up your child’s nose to stop bleeding
  • You could apply ice on the bridge of the nose for temporary relief

When To Call The Doctor?

Call a doctor if:

  • Too much blood is lost
  • Your child feels tired and sweaty and is not responsive
  • Your child is vomiting blood
  • There is a watery liquid coming out of the nose along with blood

Nose bleeding is common in toddlers and kids and is often not a cause for worry. Although as mentioned above that Some children might have several in a week, but it might not be dangerous if you consult a doctor and are aware of how to handle it well. Children eventually grow out of it and therefore don’t fret too much over it. Remember, if you are unsure about anything, it is better not to waste time and rush to the doctor to prevent anything untoward.
Did your toddler have nose bleeds? How did you handle it? Please do share your experience in the comments section below.