What causes rhinitis and nosebleeds in children?

Nosebleeds associated with rhinitis in children may be related to conditions such as acute rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, and hypertrophic rhinitis.

1. Acute Rhinitis

This condition is often caused by nasal mucosal infections due to harmful microorganisms like coxsackievirus or rhinovirus. These pathogens can cause interstitial damage to the nasal mucosa and underlying tissues, leading to symptoms such as nosebleeds, nasal congestion, and runny nose.

2. Allergic Rhinitis

When tissues within the nasal cavity—including mucosa, blood vessels, and glands—come into contact with allergens, a non-specific immune response may be triggered. The affected mucosa becomes vulnerable; even minor irritation or friction can easily lead to mucosal damage and bleeding.

3. Hypertrophic Rhinitis

After hypertrophic changes occur in the nasal mucosa or nasal turbinates, repeated compression or stretching of veins and capillaries in the affected areas may happen, increasing the risk of vessel rupture and bleeding. Therefore, some patients may experience a cluster of symptoms including nasal congestion, runny nose, and frequent nosebleeds.

However, other conditions such as atrophic rhinitis or chronic sinusitis cannot be ruled out. An accurate diagnosis requires an in-person clinical evaluation and examination.