Epistaxis
Epistaxis, or nosebleed, is not usually serious; although it may be messy or frightening at the time it occurs. Nosebleeds tend to be more common in boys than in girls and can be caused by a number of things. Epistaxis will usually stop on their own after applying pressure. If the nosebleed treatment does not stop after fifteen to twenty minutes of steady pressure, it is important to consider bringing your child to a physician. You should also see a doctor in Birmingham if your child is experiencing persistent, recurrent nosebleeds, as this could be a sign of an underlying, more serious condition.
At Pediatric ENT Associates in Birmingham, Alabama, our team of renowned ENT specialists understands that no parent wants to see their child with epistaxis, and we work together to provide the best and most cutting-edge solutions for epistaxis treatment to help your kids lead healthy, happy lives.
Causes of Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds in children can be caused by accidentally damaging a blood vessel while picking the nose or through too much blowing of the nose. Nosebleeds can also be caused through overly dry weather, as this can dry out the inside of the nose and lead to damage. The use of medication with blood thinning properties such as aspirin can also cause nosebleeds, as can trauma to the nose.
Treatment for Nosebleeds
The first thing to do if your child gets a nosebleed is to apply pressure to try to stop the bleeding. Pinch the soft part of the nose steadily for five minutes and check to see if the bleeding has stopped; if not, continue pinching for another ten minutes. If the epistaxis still hasn’t stopped, take your child to a pediatric ENT specialist in Birmingham, Alabama for further evaluation and epistaxis treatment.
When stopping a nosebleed, do not lean the head back. This can cause blood to flow into the stomach, where it can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The best course of action for epistaxis treatment is to tilt the head slightly forward while applying pressure to the nose. Do not have your child put his or her head between their legs, and do not have them lie down. Tilting the head slightly forward while standing or sitting is the best position for stopping a nosebleed.
For more information on epistaxis treatment, visit medlineplus.gov.
When to See a Doctor or ENT Specialist for Nosebleed Treatment
While epistaxis is rarely serious, you should take your child to a doctor under certain conditions. If the bleeding hasn’t stopped after fifteen or twenty minutes of continuous pressure, take your child to a doctor. Other cases in which you should bring your child to a doctor are if the epistaxis is very rapid with a lot of blood loss, your child has been experiencing multiple nosebleeds, or the blood goes down your child’s throat despite having them tilt their head forward. If this happens, it could be a sign that the nosebleed is a posterior nosebleed, which is more serious than the normal anterior nosebleed.
Emergency nosebleed treatment could include packing made of gauze inside the nasal cavity or cauterization of the bleeding blood vessel. Your child’s doctor in Birmingham will discuss with you the appropriate treatments for epistaxis and follow-up care.
Schedule an Appointment for Nosebleed Treatment with Pediatric ENT Associates
If your child has been having recurrent nosebleeds or you suspect that he or she may be experiencing posterior epistaxis, call Pediatric ENT Associates in Birmingham, Alabama at 205.693.4949. If your child is bleeding rapidly from the nose and losing a lot of blood, please call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room.
Next, read about Sinusitis.