For your 8-year-old child who experiences occasional nosebleeds, it is advisable to have them examined by a doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Seek immediate medical attention if your child's nosebleeds are accompanied by a fever, dizziness, pale skin, fatigue, skin petechiae or ecchymoses, or bleeding gums.

Nosebleeds, medically known as epistaxis, occur when blood flows from the nasal lining, either out through the front of the nose or down the back of the throat. This condition is common in children aged 2-10 years. There are two main types: anterior nosebleeds, where blood originates from the front part of the nasal septum and flows out through the nostrils, accounting for 90% of cases and often manageable at home; and posterior nosebleeds, which involve bleeding from deeper within the back of the nose, flowing down the throat rather than out. Posterior nosebleeds are less common, harder to stop, and typically require hospitalization for treatment.

Symptoms of nosebleeds in children usually appear suddenly, with blood flowing as drops or a stream from one or both nostrils. Some children may vomit blood due to swallowing it.

Nosebleeds stem from various causes. Common factors include thin nasal lining, forceful nose blowing, or nose picking. Dry, hot weather can also dry out and crack the nasal lining, making it prone to bleeding. Rhinosinusitis or congested nasal mucosa can also easily trigger nosebleeds. Children inserting foreign objects into their nose, such as small beads or toys, or experiencing nasal trauma from falls, may also develop nosebleeds. Less common causes include dengue fever, clotting disorders, or vitamin C deficiency.

Dr. Nguyen Dinh Huan examines a child patient. Photo: Minh Tam

When a child experiences a nosebleed, parents should have them sit upright with their head tilted slightly forward, avoiding tilting it backward to prevent blood swallowing. Use a finger to firmly press the bleeding nostril for approximately 10 minutes to stop the flow. Applying a cold compress to the skin over the bleeding side of the nose can also help reduce bleeding. Once the bleeding stops, advise the child to avoid nose picking or forceful nose blowing to prevent recurrence.

To prevent nosebleeds, parents should keep children's fingernails short and remind them not to pick their nose or blow it forcefully. Maintain a cool, well-ventilated room temperature, and avoid prolonged exposure to dry, hot environments. Additionally, ensure children receive adequate nutrition, including plenty of green vegetables, fruits, and vitamin C in their daily meals. If a child has rhinosinusitis due to infection or allergies, it should be treated promptly. Parents should not use corticosteroid nasal sprays without a doctor's prescription. When nasal sprays are necessary, ensure correct application technique as instructed.

Parents can clean children's noses one to two times a week using physiological saline solution or isotonic deep sea water to help prevent rhinosinusitis.

Dr. Nguyen Dinh Huan

Department of Pediatrics, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City