Infantile epistaxis is a common disease in otorhinolaryngology. When spring and autumn come, the incidence rate will be higher. Some children may experience occasional bleeding, while others may experience repeated bleeding in large amounts, often causing panic among the children and concern among parents. So, what are the common causes and treatment methods for pediatric nosebleeds?
The nasal mucosa of children is particularly thin, only 1/10 of that of adults, and children like to dig and rub their noses, so they are more prone to bleeding than adults. The cause of pediatric nosebleeds must first exclude nosebleeds caused by blood system and systemic diseases. Secondly, for children with repeated nosebleeds and excessive bleeding, nasal endoscopy should be performed to rule out hemorrhagic tumors in the nasopharynx and nasal cavity. Furthermore, long-term chronic rhinitis and sinusitis can also cause inflammation of the nasal mucosa, capillary dilation, and bleeding caused by mucosal erosion.
The vast majority of pediatric bleeding occurs in the Li's area of the bilateral nasal septum. During examination, mucosal erosion, capillary dilation, and exposure can be seen in the Li's area, sometimes accompanied by pulsatile bleeding points and vascular breaks. For nosebleeds caused by blood system and systemic diseases, it is generally difficult to control them at home, and it is necessary to go to the hospital for nasal packing to stop bleeding.
For nosebleeds caused by hemorrhagic tumors in the nasopharynx and nasal cavity, surgical treatment is required. Most common causes of nosebleeds can be easily controlled by parents themselves. Firstly, do not panic, comfort the child, and stabilize their emotions, as the more they cry, the more blood they will lose. Secondly, you can fill a cotton ball in the bleeding side of the nasal cavity, and use your thumb and index finger to pinch both sides of the child's nose. Generally, it takes 4-5 minutes to stop bleeding.
During the cold and dry autumn and winter seasons, children should be encouraged to drink more water, eat more cool fruits, control indoor temperature and humidity, as being too hot or too dry can easily lead to bleeding. Children with rhinitis and sinusitis should seek treatment at the ENT clinic. Once inflammation is controlled and improved, bleeding will also improve.
