Nosebleeds in the baby

synonym

Epistaxis

introduction

No cloths or tamponades should be put in the nose, because removing them can cause the closed wounds to tear open again and thus start the bleeding again.

Nosebleeds (Epistaxis) usually looks worse in babies and toddlers than it really is. In fact, nosebleeds are relatively common in babies and toddlers, but in most cases they are harmless. The nasal mucous membrane contains many small blood vessels that very superficially form a vascular network in the front part of the nasal septum. These veins can be injured and burst for various reasons, such as picking your nose or snorting too hard. The nosebleeds usually stop on their own and the blood loss is often minimal. Parents should be careful, however, as in rare cases a medical emergency due to high blood loss can occur if the bleeding is not stopped.

causes

Nosebleeds in babies can be many causes to have. In the Nasal mucosa there are many small veins that are very sensitive to injuries and can be damaged by slight irritation. If for example by dry air the nasal mucous membranes are dried out or the nasal mucous membrane due to a sniff If you are irritated, you can quickly develop nosebleeds. Here is of course also frequent blowing of the nose mechanical irritation that can damage veins. In dry air, the nasal mucous membrane is less elastic and tears more quickly. Nosebleeds can also be caused by "to dig in your nose“Especially if the Fingernails are cut too long or not round. This leads to scratching of the mucous membrane and the veins. That too Inserting a foreign body (e.g. toys) or a Fall on the nose can cause nosebleeds in babies. Also prolonged screaming can be the cause of nosebleeds. Severe and prolonged nosebleeds from a Coagulation disorder causes.

therapy

To prevent nosebleeds in babies to stopthere are a few simple steps you can follow. The first thing you should do is Gently squeeze the baby's nostrils together. This puts pressure on the veins in the nose exercised and the bleeding can be stopped. This should be a few minutes as letting go too early can cause the nosebleeds to start again. Also, should if possible the baby's head upright be held and not backwards be tipped. This prevents the baby blood swallowed. Swallowing blood may occur nausea and Vomit The choking causes the pressure in the head to rise and the bleeding is stimulated.

Another measure is to take one to put cold rags behind the neck. The blood vessels in the nose also narrow as a reflex, which ensures that not as much blood can escape from the vessels and that the bleeding is stopped more quickly. Parents should also try to calm the baby down. Too much screaming and excitement causes the blood pressure and therefore the bleeding to rise.

The bleeding should follow up 15 minutes Do not breastfeed despite pressure on the nostrils or if the bleeding is very heavy, an emergency doctor must be called or to the doctor be driven as a life-threatening condition can develop due to the high blood loss. The nose should continue to be pinched until the doctor arrives.

It should no wipes or tamponades be put in the nose, as removing it can cause the closed wounds to tear open again and thus start the bleeding again.

If the nosebleed is caused by a foreign body, it definitely should a doctor will remove the foreign body. This should never yourself removed. If you fall or hit your nose, followed by a nosebleed, you should be careful to see if your nose is broken or if there are signs of one concussion gives. In these cases, a doctor must be consulted in any case. (please refer: Broken nose symptoms)

In the case of recurrent nosebleeds and bleeding that is violent and prolonged, a Pediatrician look at the baby, examine the nose and one Blood test do with the one possibly rare, congenital coagulation disorder can be excluded.

prophylaxis

To prevent baby nosebleeds caused by dry room air, you should make sure that the Air in the rooms is humid enough so that the nasal mucosa does not dry out. Dry air caused by heating in the winter months can be counteracted by ventilating the rooms, especially shortly before going to bed.

With generally dry nasal mucosa and frequent nosebleeds you can Anoint or Nasal oils help to keep the nasal lining moist. Since a common cause of nosebleeds is picking your nose, it is advisable Cutting baby's fingernails short and be careful about this are cut round, as sharp or angular nails can easily scratch the nasal mucosa.

Nosebleed after a fall

Especially during the first attempts to crawl, sit up or even walk on both legs, it can easily come to a fall in which the baby falls on his nose and a nosebleed is triggered. This can hardly be avoided, but here too, parents should take the above measures. In any case, it is not uncommon for your nose to bleed after a fall. Parents should again make sure that the bleeding continues no later than 15 minutes stopped. A broken nose must be ruled out.

Parents should also watch their baby closely after the fall to make sure the child does not concussion has carried away. In this case symptoms would be like nausea, Vomit or increased tiredness only occur with a delay. However, a concussion is relatively rare in babies because the skull is not yet completely ossified. As a result, the skull remains more movable and falls can be better absorbed than in adults.

Nocturnal nosebleeds

Of course, it is very worrying for parents if the baby is found with a bleeding nose or blood stain in the morning. But even here the cause is usually harmless. Especially in the winter months where dry heating air If the nasal mucous membrane dries out, the baby may experience more nosebleeds. Even if the baby is one infection can bleed your nose overnight. Babies also like to pick their noses while sleeping, so that's another reason too sharp or long fingernails come into question. should that Nosebleeds at night occur very often and also larger amounts of blood must be found doctor to be visited. A blood count should be done to rule out a rare blood clotting disorder, for example.

Nosebleeds in the baby from crying

Even if the baby is crying, a nosebleed may occur.
Again, you shouldn't let yourself be alarmed, but rather try to calm the baby down. The screaming and the excitement make one Sympathetic activation (Autonomic Nervous System). Of the Sympathetic is responsible, for example, for the Blood pressure rise allow.
The Vessels become further and more blood gets through the body and into the head pumped. As a result, more blood is transported through the widened veins in the nasal mucosa. The fine veins in the nasal mucous membrane can now burst even more easily, especially if the child accidentally hits their nose or sticks their finger in their nose. There is a nosebleed.The above measures should be followed again and the child should be calmed down as much as possible.