Children’s Nosebleeds After Hitting Head: What to Do

Bella May Tuney | Posted on February 16, 2024 |

Children often bump their heads, and determining if they’ve sustained significant harm can be challenging. While most head injuries result in minor bumps or bruises, repeated or severe incidents can lead to brain damage. Typically, head blows primarily affect the scalp, which, though frightening, is usually not life-threatening but still warrants concern. The head and face have abundant blood vessels, causing these injuries to bleed heavily and induce fear. However, a nose bleed after hitting their head is more frightening because it might mean something more serious.

It’s crucial to monitor any unusual symptoms after a head injury. A severe impact can cause brain swelling and damage, highlighting the importance of identifying early signs of heightened brain pressure.

Nosebleeds: Normal or a Cause for Emergency Medical Intervention?

Kids frequently experience nosebleeds. They might happen because of warm weather or physical activity, which widens the tiny blood vessels in their noses. Alternatively, nosebleeds may happen from activities like picking the nose, running into objects, or poking the nose, which can rupture blood vessels and cause bleeding. When a child experiences a bloody nose after hitting their head, the impact can break blood vessels in the nose, leading to bleeding.

Regrettably, if there’s nose bleeding after a head injury, it’s crucial to seek prompt medical help as it could indicate internal bleeding since a concussion and a nose bleed aren’t normal. If the bleeding continues for over 15 minutes, seek medical assistance immediately. Persistent bleeding, especially after a blow to the face, head, or nose, requires evaluation by a physician to ascertain if there’s a broken nose or a facial/head fracture.

What to Do When a Nosebleed Occurs

Here are the steps to follow:

Seat the child.
Get something absorbent to catch the blood.
Have them lean forward while pinching the bridge of their nose. This position helps you monitor the bleeding and prevents blood from going down their throat, which could cause nausea.
Apply pressure to stop the bleeding by compressing the leaking blood vessel inside the nose.
Continue adjusting your hold until the bleeding ceases entirely.
Sustain the pressure for a minimum of 10 minutes.
If bleeding resumes after releasing pressure slightly, hold for another 10 minutes.
If pinching the nose becomes too uncomfortable or fails to stop the bleeding, discontinue the technique.
To alleviate swelling and discomfort from nosebleeds resulting from a nose injury or trauma, applying a cold compress or ice pack to the nose bridge can be beneficial.

Some Causes of a Nose Bleed After Hitting Head

It’s crucial to remember that if your child has a severe or prolonged nosebleed following a head injury, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly.

Trauma to the nose: Direct impact on the nose can cause nasal bleeding.
Fractured nose: A nose fracture can lead to bleeding from the nasal passages.
Blood vessels: Head trauma has the potential to harm the blood vessels in the nose, resulting in bleeding.
Sinus injury: Injury to the sinuses from head trauma can trigger nosebleeds.
Blood clotting disorders: Head injuries may cause bleeding disorders that increase the likelihood of nosebleeds.
Medications: Certain drugs, like blood thinners, can heighten the risk of nosebleeds after head trauma.

It’s essential to promptly seek medical help if an individual encounters both a head injury and a nosebleed, accompanied by a severe headache, confusion, double vision, or neck discomfort. These symptoms could signal serious conditions like a skull fracture or brain injury.

Risk Factors to Consider

Various elements can increase the likelihood of nosebleeds following a head injury, including:

Fractures of the facial bones: In the event of a head injury causing fractures in the nose or facial bones, it can damage the blood vessels within the nose, potentially resulting in nosebleeds.
Bleeding disorders: Individuals with conditions like hemophilia may face a higher risk of nosebleeds after a head injury due to impaired blood clotting.
High blood pressure: Elevated blood pressure can make nasal blood vessels more fragile, increasing the likelihood of nosebleeds.
Medications: Certain drugs, including blood thinners and anti-inflammatory medications, can elevate the risk of nosebleeds.
Climate: Weather conditions such as dryness or cold temperatures can dehydrate the nasal passages, leading to irritation and subsequent nosebleeds.

Some Treatment Options

Here are the options for treating nosebleeds following a head injury:

Nose pinching: Close the soft part of the nose, lean forward, and breathe through the mouth to halt bleeding. Apply pressure consistently for a duration of 10 to 15 minutes.
Cold compresses: Utilize cold compresses, such as a bag of frozen vegetables, on the bridge of the nose to constrict blood vessels and alleviate bleeding.
Nasal decongestant sprays: Over-the-counter sprays can shrink nasal blood vessels and lessen bleeding.
Topical ointments: Apply a small amount of petroleum-based ointment like Vaseline inside the nose to moisturize and reduce irritation.
Cauterization: In certain cases, a medical professional might employ cauterization, which involves using a substance like silver nitrate to seal bleeding blood vessels in the nose.
Surgery: Severe cases may necessitate surgery to mend fractures or blood vessel damage in the nose.
Medications: Doctors may prescribe medications, including antibiotics, to stop bleeding and prevent infection in certain cases.

How to Prevent Nosebleeds After Head Injury

Here are some steps to prevent nosebleeds after a head injury:

Wear protective gear: Use helmets or other protective equipment during activities with head injury risks to lower the chance of nosebleeds.
Avoid nose picking: Steer clear of nose picking, as it can irritate blood vessels, increasing the chances of experiencing nosebleeds.
Keep nasal passages moist: Dry nasal passages are prone to nosebleeds. Use a humidifier, saline nasal sprays, or nasal ointments to maintain moisture and prevent nosebleeds.
Steer clear of medications that increase nosebleed risk: Certain drugs, like blood thinners and anti-inflammatory medications, can heighten the risk of nosebleeds. Consult your doctor about alternatives if you’re on such medications.
Effectively address any existing medical conditions: Properly manage ailments such as hypertension or bleeding disorders to lower the likelihood of experiencing nosebleeds.
Exercise caution: Be cautious during activities with potential head injury risks, like sports, and be mindful in hazardous environments to prevent head injuries and subsequent nosebleeds.

Prioritizing Safety to Avoid Nose Bleeds Caused By Head Injuries

Prioritizing safety measures and prompt medical attention is paramount when dealing with head injuries and nosebleeds in children. Remain alert for any uncommon symptoms and promptly seek medical help if needed. Remember to implement preventive measures to reduce the risk of nosebleeds post-head injury. Let’s work together to ensure the well-being and safety of our children in all activities and environments.