Nosebleeds in Pediatrics Nosebleeds In Pediatrics Nosebleeds, or epistaxis, occurs commonly in children, especially in those between the ages of 2 and 10 years old. In most cases, nosebleeds are secondary to local trauma and can be cared for primary care physicians. In rare instances, however, a nosebleed may be difficult to control or may be a manifestation of a serious systemic illness. Parents and children, who are often frightened by nosebleeds, frequently overestimate the amount of blood lost. Understanding and reassurance are important in dealing with anxiety.
Nosebleeds are rare in infancy and infrequent after puberty.
They occur much more frequently in the late fall and winter months, when URIs are common, environmental humidity is relatively low, and the use of heating systems results in dryness. Nosebleeds are also more common in children who live in dry climates, especially if they have a URI or allergic rhinitis. Most children with nosebleeds have a history of bleeding at home and have minimal or no bleeding at the time of presentation. With anterior nosebleeds blood exits almost entirely from the anterior portion of the nose. With posterior nosebleeds, most of the bleeding occurs in the nasopharynx and mouth, although some blood exits through the nose as well.