Nosebleeds can cause frequent problems for children and adults alike. With the help of our ENT (Ear-Nose-Throat) specialist Dr Balázs Liktor Ph.D., we have put together some useful pointers on the subject.
How are nosebleeds classified?
For the sake of simplicity, nosebleeds are usually grouped according to cause and the age of the person. Anyone can experience nosebleeds that produce a small quantity of blood, and the clinical relevance of these is low. This bleeding is usually due to minor damage to the skin inside the nose, nasal infections or possibly blowing your nose too hard. In this case, applying pressure to the upper cartilage of the nose or blocking it with some material (gauze or paper handkerchiefs) will usually stop the bleeding. You can also take vitamin C, which plays an important role in strengthening the blood vessels.
How are adult nosebleeds treated?
If you are unable to stop the bleeding yourself, an ENT specialist can perform cauterization, which uses electrical pulses to burn away the source of the bleeding. This may sound unpleasant, but it is carried out with anesthetic applied to the surface treated, so it does not hurt at all. The other most commonly-used procedure is to apply a chemical agent to cause the blood to coagulate. Failing this, the bleeding can also be stopped by blocking the area. For particular types of nosebleed, it is also possible that an endoscopic operation will be required.
If you suffer from recurring nosebleeds, it is necessary to identify the root cause and treat the condition. When you undergo medical examinations, you will routinely be assessed for high blood pressure and blood disease (the latter requires laboratory testing). You can then visit a specialist for an endoscopic examination to determine the source of bleeding and to make sure that there are no tumors along the uneven nasal cavity wall.
You should take particular care if you are taking an anticoagulant for a particular illness or condition that the increased nosebleeds are not caused by the medication.
What are the possible causes of nosebleeds in children?
Regular nosebleeds in children are often a sign of an existing problem in the nasal cavity (most commonly dilated blood vessels). In many cases, the children cause the problem themselves by picking or scratching their nose, or by inserting a foreign object.
For both children and adults, once the problem has been resolved, it is necessary to wait at least three days before blowing your nose, and at least a week before taking physical exercise. During this time, it is not a good idea to participate in sports, carry heavy objects or do anything else that may increase in blood pressure. High humidity also helps with regeneration. The most important thing is to make sure you avoid the root cause of the nosebleed.
If the nosebleed is very severe or if your child is also bleeding from his or her mouth, call an ambulance immediately (Hungarian National Ambulance Service – 104), as this may indicate a more serious problem.
