Nosebleeds occur when the small capillaries inside the nostrils become damaged and begin to bleed. KidsHealth, an information website sponsored by the Nemours Foundation, notes that nosebleeds are common in children ages 3 to 10. While scary for the child, nosebleeds are usually easy to treat by tipping the head slightly forward while sitting, and pinching the nostrils together for 10 minutes. KidsHealth notes that while there are many reasons for a nosebleed to occur, this condition is not usually cause for alarm.
Nose Picking
Children may frequently pick inside the nose with a finger or other object. Sharp or jagged fingernails inserted into the nose can scratch or disrupt delicate nasal tissue, causing bleeding. A child may also insert an object into her nose, such as a small toy or end of a pencil which can tear blood vessels inside the nose.
FamilyDoctor.org, a publication of the American Academy of Family Physicians, suggests trimming a child's nails to keep them short, reducing damage to nasal tissues from nose picking. A child suspected of having an object stuck inside the nose should be medically evaluated to prevent further complications from the impacted object.
Irritated Nasal Tissues
The lining of the nose is thin, allowing blood vessels behind the lining to warm air as we breathe in and out. Nasal lining is prone to drying out and can become irritated, making it easier for blood vessels to become damaged and bleed. A child may experience dry nasal tissues during dry, cold weather or with a cold or illness. Alternately, colds, illnesses and allergies may also cause an over production of nasal mucous, causing a child to blow her nose repeatedly, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Forceful or repeated blowing of the nose can burst open nasal blood vessels, resulting in bleeding as well. Using a humidifier in dry climates or during an illness may help prevent nasal drying.
Nasal Trauma
A blow to the nose may cause a nosebleed. A child may sustain an injury to the nose during play, a sporting event or after a fall. In some cases, a forceful blow to the face or nose can fracture the nasal or facial bones. The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery warns that any head injury that results in a nose bleed in children warrants immediate medical attention.
