Occasional nosebleeds in children are common and typically don’t require special medical attention. However, if your child experiences frequent nosebleeds that don’t respond to home remedies, nasal cautery might be an option worth exploring.
Why Is My Child Getting Nosebleeds?
There are many potential causes of nosebleeds in children, most of which are harmless, though some may signal an underlying health issue. Common causes include:
- Nose picking or scratching inside the nostrils
- Blowing their nose with too much force
- Colds, sinus infections or allergies
- Dry indoor air
- Injuries or trauma to the nose
- Structural issues within the nasal passages
- Certain medications that can increase dryness or bleeding
- Unusual growths in the nose or sinuses
- Blood clotting or blood vessel disorders
When to Seek Medical Attention for Nosebleeds
If your child’s nosebleed is heavy or doesn’t stop after 20 to 30 minutes, it’s important to seek immediate medical help. Recurrent nosebleeds, such as having more than four per week, also warrant an evaluation by a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.
Can Nosebleeds Be Prevented?
Before considering nasal cautery, doctors often suggest trying other preventive measures. The best approach will depend on what’s causing your child’s nosebleeds, and may include:
- Teaching your child not to pick or scratch their nose
- Addressing underlying health conditions contributing to nosebleeds
- Adjusting any medications that may cause or worsen bleeding
- Using a humidifier or applying nasal gels to relieve dryness in the nose
If these approaches don’t help, nasal cautery may be the next step to control frequent bleeding.
How Nasal Cauterization Works
Nasal cautery is a quick, in-office procedure where a chemical is applied to the mucous membranes inside the nose to seal blood vessels and prevent bleeding. This procedure typically takes about five to 10 minutes and is usually done while your child is awake, using a local anesthetic. However, if additional nasal procedures are needed, it may be performed under general anesthesia in an operating room setting.
Following the procedure, your child can usually return home right away, though some fussiness, mild nosebleeds and light drainage may occur temporarily as part of the healing process. For pain relief, over-the-counter options like Tylenol® or ibuprofen are usually recommended.
For more information on nasal cautery or to discuss treatment options for your child’s nosebleeds, contact ENT & Allergy Specialists – Ear Nose and Throat Physicians and Surgeons.
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