What causes nosebleeds in children?

Generally, nosebleeds in children may be caused by factors such as dry nasal mucosa, habitual nose picking, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, or deviated nasal septum. If symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a reputable hospital. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Dry Nasal Mucosa

Dry climate or low indoor humidity can cause the nasal mucosa to lose moisture, increasing blood vessel fragility and making them prone to rupture and bleeding from minor irritation. Use a humidifier indoors to maintain humidity levels between 50% and 60%, encourage children to drink plenty of warm water, and avoid prolonged exposure to air-conditioned environments.

2. Habitual Nose Picking

Frequent nose picking with fingers can scratch the nasal mucosa and damage blood vessels, leading to bleeding. Keep children's fingernails trimmed, gently guide them to stop this habit, and when bleeding occurs, have the child lean forward with their head slightly lowered and apply pressure to the soft part of the nose to stop the bleeding.

3. Allergic Rhinitis

Exposure to allergens such as pollen or dust mites causes nasal mucosal congestion and swelling, which can easily break and bleed when irritated. Symptoms often include sneezing and runny nose. Treatments may include mometasone furoate nasal spray, loratadine syrup, or montelukast sodium chewable tablets as prescribed by a doctor, along with avoiding known allergens.

4. Sinusitis

Bacterial or viral infections can lead to inflammation of the sinuses. Nasal secretions irritate the mucosa, causing erosion and bleeding, often accompanied by thick yellow nasal discharge and nasal congestion. Treatment under a doctor’s guidance may include cefixime granules, physiological seawater nasal spray, and eucalyptus citronellal enteric-coated soft capsules. Maintain good nasal hygiene.

5. Deviated Nasal Septum

An abnormal structure of the nasal septum that leans to one side can result in thin mucosa at the deviated area, making it vulnerable to airflow-induced injury and recurrent bleeding. If asymptomatic, observation may suffice; however, if frequent bleeding or significant nasal obstruction occurs, surgical correction (septoplasty) may be considered. Avoid nasal trauma after surgery.

In daily life, maintain appropriate indoor humidity; teach children good hygiene habits; avoid allergens and prevent respiratory infections; and perform regular nasal check-ups to detect and address issues early.