According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, nosebleeds are most common in children between the ages of 2 and 10 and adults between the ages of 50 and 80. Seasonal allergies associated with pollen are among the leading causes of nosebleeds in children. Treat both the allergy and the nosebleed to reduce nosebleed frequency most effectively.
Anterior and Posterior Nosebleeds
Children can experience both anterior and posterior nosebleeds, but the latter is less common. As the American Academy of Otolaryngology explains, anterior nosebleeds occur when the blood vessels near the front of the nose break open due to excessive dryness or injury. Posterior nosebleeds occur high and deep within the nose, flowing into the back of the mouth and throat, and happen after injury or in older individuals with high blood pressure.
Nosebleeds from Pollen
Nosebleeds caused by pollen typically fall under the anterior category. Pollen enters the child's nose and triggers an allergic reaction, drying out and weakening the interior wall of the nose. When your child sniffles or blows her nose, she puts additional stress on the already-weakened walls and the blood vessels lying just beneath. Eventually, the blood vessels break open, causing your child's nose to bleed out from the nostrils.
Dealing with a Nosebleed
Mild nosebleeds may stop on their own, but some require additional attention. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center details several steps for parents to follow when attempting to stop an anterior nosebleed. First, remain calm to avoid upsetting your child further. Have your child sit or stand and keep his head leaning forward, not lying back. Firmly pinch the soft part of his nose, ideally using a cold compress; if unavailable, use your fingers. Maintain pressure for 10 minutes. If the bleeding continues after the first 10 minutes, continue maintaining pressure for another 10 minutes. If the bleeding persists, call your doctor for further advice.
Allergy Treatments
Reduce the number of pollen-related nosebleeds by treating your child's allergy to pollen. According to Daniel More, MD, a board-certified allergist with The Weather Channel, oral antihistamines treat most nasal symptoms associated with allergies to pollen, causing your child to blow his nose less, reducing the risk of nosebleed. Leukotriene blockers, while not as potent as antihistamines in treating all allergy symptoms, work just as well -- if not better -- in reducing nasal congestion. Avoid the use of topical nasal steroids and over-the-counter nasal sprays, however, as these can actually increase nasal dryness and cause more nosebleeds. Talk with your child's doctor to discuss the best treatment for your child's allergy symptoms.
Additional Nosebleed Prevention
You can further help reduce the frequency of nosebleeds by taking measures to protect the interior of your child's nose from pollen or associated dryness. Use a cotton swab to moisten the lining of your child's nose with a light coating of petroleum jelly three times each day during peak allergy season. Use a humidifier in your child's room while she sleeps to keep the air moist. Lastly, instruct your child not to pick her nose or blow it with too much force.
References
- American Academy of Otolaryngology; Nosebleeds; June 2009
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; What To Do When Your Child Has a Nosebleed; May 2010
- Weather Channel; Allergies & Kids: Childhood Allergy Treatments; Daniel More, MD
- BBC Health; Nosebleeds; Trisha Macnair; Feb. 2009
- University of California, San Diego - School of Medicine; Handbook of Nasal Disease; Terence M. Davidson, M.D., F.A.C.S.
