Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Persistent Bleeding From The Nose Of A Child?
Question: My 14 year old grandson had a nosebleed the other night that wouldn't stop. He filled the toilet with blood. What could be the cause? He has gotten them before, but not like this one They just come on, for no reason. Should we be on the look out for anything specific?
Brief Answer:
Most childhood epistaxis is not a cause for worry.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. A one sided severe nose bleed (epistaxis) at his age is most likely due to a ruptured blood vessel on the Little's area of the septum. A growth spurt, dryness, finger trauma, sneezing, allergy, infections, septal deviation with a spur are common reasons. Other causes such as a foreign body, polyps and rare benign tumors should be ruled out.
2. A nasal examination to clear clots and look for bleeding points should be done by an ENT Specialist. A nasal endoscopy should be done if possible. Examination of the throat to check for post nasal bleeding should be done. Routine blood tests (including a hemogram and a coagulogram) should be done.
3. Application of ice and pinching the nose helps reduce the blood loss if this is an anterior nasal bleed.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Most childhood epistaxis is not a cause for worry.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. A one sided severe nose bleed (epistaxis) at his age is most likely due to a ruptured blood vessel on the Little's area of the septum. A growth spurt, dryness, finger trauma, sneezing, allergy, infections, septal deviation with a spur are common reasons. Other causes such as a foreign body, polyps and rare benign tumors should be ruled out.
2. A nasal examination to clear clots and look for bleeding points should be done by an ENT Specialist. A nasal endoscopy should be done if possible. Examination of the throat to check for post nasal bleeding should be done. Routine blood tests (including a hemogram and a coagulogram) should be done.
3. Application of ice and pinching the nose helps reduce the blood loss if this is an anterior nasal bleed.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
