What causes nosebleeds in children?

Generally, nosebleeds in children may be caused by insufficient water intake, forceful nose-blowing, acute nasopharyngitis, nasal polyps, aplastic anemia, and other reasons. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Specific explanations are as follows:

1. Insufficient Water Intake

When children do not drink enough water daily, their bodies are in a mildly dehydrated state. The nasal mucosa becomes dry due to lack of moisture, and the blood vessels become fragile, making them prone to rupture and bleed even from mild stimulation such as breathing or swallowing. Parents should encourage children to develop the habit of drinking water regularly and ensure adequate daily water intake. Depending on the child's age, it is generally recommended to drink 500-1000 milliliters of warm water per day. Additionally, include more water-rich fruits and vegetables in their diet, such as watermelon, pears, and cucumbers.

2. Forceful Nose-Blowing

When children have nasal congestion or a runny nose and blow their nose forcefully, the pressure inside the nasal cavity suddenly increases, which can damage the fragile blood vessels in the nasal mucosa, causing them to rupture and bleed. This is especially common during a cold when nasal secretions are more abundant. Teach children the correct way to blow their nose: gently press one nostril closed with a finger and softly expel the secretions from the other nostril. Alternate between both nostrils, avoiding blowing both sides simultaneously. If the secretions are thick, first soften them with saline nasal drops before blowing.

3. Acute Nasopharyngitis

Viral or bacterial infections can cause acute nasopharyngitis. Inflammation leads to congestion and swelling of the mucous membranes in the nasopharynx, which can spread to the nasal cavity, causing dilation and increased fragility of nasal mucosal blood vessels, making them prone to bleeding. Symptoms often include sore throat, nasal congestion, and fever. Ensure the child rests adequately, maintain good indoor air circulation, and avoid crowded places. Use medications as directed by a physician, such as Xia'er Yanbian Granules, Cefixime Granules, or Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid. Encourage the child to drink plenty of warm water to help reduce inflammation.

4. Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps occupy nasal cavity space and continuously irritate the surrounding nasal mucosa, causing congestion and erosion. Additionally, the mucosal surface of the polyps is thin and prone to bleeding from friction or infection. Symptoms may include persistent nasal congestion and reduced sense of smell. Small nasal polyps can be treated with medications such as mometasone furoate nasal spray, budesonide nasal spray, or montelukast sodium chewable tablets under a doctor's guidance, with regular follow-up evaluations of nasal conditions. If the polyps are large or medication proves ineffective, surgical removal may be required under medical supervision.

5. Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic anemia leads to decreased bone marrow hematopoietic function and reduced platelet production, impairing the body's ability to form blood clots. Children may experience spontaneous nosebleeds that are difficult to stop, along with symptoms such as skin bruising, bleeding gums, and pallor. Promptly take the child to see a doctor, and follow medical guidance for drug treatments such as cyclosporine soft capsules, stanozolol tablets, or testosterone undecanoate soft capsules. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be necessary in some cases. In daily life, avoid strenuous physical activity and trauma, and regularly monitor blood counts and coagulation function.

In daily life, help children maintain nasal hygiene by avoiding picking their noses, ensure a balanced diet with adequate protein and vitamin intake, and dress appropriately according to weather changes to prevent respiratory infections.