Known medically as epistaxis, nose bleeding is a common childhood ailment that is usually nothing to worry about. In fact, many parents find that nosebleeds tend to decrease as a child ages. A handful of circumstances can cause nosebleeds in children. Unless a child's nosebleed occurs with bleeding at other sites such as the gums, urine or stool, or severe bruising coexists with a bloody nose, there should be no reason for alarm.
Irritation
Nosebleeds occur when the nose gets irritated. Nose picking, nasal allergies and dry air can cause this sort of irritation, usually near the septum where the skin ends. Parents can help prevent this sort of irritation by keeping the nasal passages moist with a humidifier or saline solution drops or spray, according to the Keep Kids Healthy website. Parents and children will also likely notice that nosebleeds increase during winter months when interiors are heated with dry air.
Trauma
A simple hit to the nose is often enough to cause a brief nosebleed. According to AskDrSears.com, a nosebleed caused by trauma does not always indicate the nose is broken.
Infection
The nasal septum is particularly vulnerable to infection, bacterial or otherwise, according to AskDrSears.com. When this area becomes infected, a red, crusty area will form inside the nose and on the skin in front of the nostrils. This skin is easily irritated, and these infections can lead to nosebleeds.
Bleeding Disorder
Although rare, a bleeding disorder such as a blood-clotting problem or abnormal blood vessel growth may be the cause of the nosebleeds. If bleeding persists, the doctor may perform a series of blood tests in order to make an accurate diagnosis.
