Nosebleeds In Teenagers (Epistaxis): Causes And Treatment

Injuries or infections may lead to nosebleeds, and you must see a doctor if the problem persists.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sameh Mahmoud Shehata, MS Dr. Sameh Mahmoud Shehata Dr. Sameh Mahmoud ShehataMS MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on LinkedinFollow MomJunction on YouTube Specialty: Pediatric SurgeryExperience: 37 years
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A teenage girl suffering from nose bleeding

Image: ShutterStock

Nosebleeds, also called epistaxis, may look scary but are mostly harmless. The nose has blood vessels close to the external surface, and therefore they get injured easily (1). It is not uncommon to see nosebleeds in teenagers. Usually, these happen in winter or too dry climates. Read this post to know the types, causes, treatment, prevention, signs you need to see a doctor, and tips on stopping nose bleeding in teenagers.

In This Article

What Is A Nosebleed In A Teen?

A nosebleed is a condition that results from the rupturing of blood vessels present inside the nose, causing blood to ooze out of one or both nostrils (2).

Are Nosebleeds Common In Teenagers?

Teenagers may experience nosebleeds. However, studies suggest that the frequency of nosebleeds tends to be lower in teenagers (ages 12-17) compared to younger children. In late teens, nosebleeds are uncommon (3).

What Are The Types Of Nosebleeds?

There are two types of nosebleeds (4):

  • Anterior nosebleeds are the most common and account for 90% of nosebleeds. The bleeding originates from the front part of the nose. It could be due to allergies, nose-picking, or dry air.
  • Posterior nosebleeds come from deep parts and may be difficult to manage. High blood pressure, airway obstruction, or trauma are some of the reasons for these bleeds.

Symptoms Of Nosebleeds In Teens

When experiencing a nosebleed, teens may notice any of the below-given symptoms (5):

  • Blood coming from one or both nostrils.
  • Blood flowing down the throat while lying down or tilting the head backward.
  • A sensation of fluid running down the back of the throat.
  • Pain or discomfort (if the nose is injured).

Causes Of Nosebleeds In Teenagers

There are common and less common causes of nosebleeds in teenagers. The common reasons are often related to anterior nosebleeds.

  1. Dry air: During dry climates or winter, the nasal passages may dry out, leaving the blood vessels fragile and prone to rupture. A ruptured blood vessel leads to nosebleeds (6).
  1. Medicines: Nosebleed could be one of the side effects of allergies, cold medications, or using nasal sprays. (7).
  1. Infections: Chronic inflammation, infections, and sinusitisiAn infection in which the tissues that line the sinus get swollen or inflamed (hollow, air-filled spaces in the skull). may also make the nasal tissue susceptible to bleeding (8).
  1. Injury: Picking the nose with fingernails or blowing too hard may damage the inside of the nose, thereby causing bleeding.

Some of the severe causes that may lead to both anterior and posterior nosebleeds are:

  1. Hypertension: Although rare, high blood pressure could be one of the reasons for nose bleeding (9).
  1. Accident or trauma: If a foreign body gets into the nose or if your nose is injured in an accident, then it may cause a nosebleed.
  1. Drug abuse: Frequent nosebleeds, along with other symptoms such as weight loss, dilated pupilsiA condition characterized by the dark part of the eye (pupils) being larger than usual. , and change in lifestyle, might be due to drug or alcohol consumption (10).

    Nosebleeds may be caused by excessive alcohol consumption

    Image: IStock

  1. Blood-related diseases: Nose bleeding can be a symptom of bleeding disorders and conditions or cancer such as leukemia in teens (1) (11).
  1. Deviated septum: The tissue separating the nostrils gets deviated, leading to frequent nose bleeding (12). It is a less common condition.

protip_icon Quick fact
Abnormal tissue growth, such as polyps, in the nose can also cause chronic nosebleeds in teens (24).

Occasional nosebleeds are not a cause of concern. You can try to stop it by taking some measures.

How To Stop Nosebleeds In Teenagers?

Here are some dos and don’ts that your child may follow to stop nose bleeding (13) (5):

Dos

  • Sit up straight or stand upright.
  • Lean forward and breathe through the mouth.
  • Pinch nose slightly above nostrils for about 15 minutes. The pressure can stop the bleeding.
  • Place an ice pack on the nose.

    Place an ice pack on the nose to relieve a nosebleed

    Image: Shutterstock

  • Use a topical vasoconstrictoriAn external agent or drug that helps constrict blood vessels. .

Aaron LaRoche recounts his teenage struggles with nosebleeds and how he effectively managed them, “As a kid, I couldn’t stay out of my nose. From cramming things into them to seeing how far a finger could go, something about the olfactory bulb drew me. I had a lot of nosebleeds growing up. I’ve gathered some of my favorite ways to stop them – Tilting your head forward. This is a classic. I didn’t realize this was even a possibility till my teens when a friend showed me on an arid day. Pinching the nose between your fingers usually takes five to ten minutes to stop the bleeding. Also, decongestant sprays can clean and moisten the area and return it to a smooth nasal passage (i).”

Don’ts

  • Do not lie down or do not tilt the head upside down or backward. This way, blood may go into the windpipe, resulting in choking or coughing.
  • Do not put pressure on the nose after the bleeding has stopped.
protip_icon Point to consider
Once your teen has stopped bleeding, ask them to sneeze through the mouth as it can help reduce pressure in the nose and prevent recurrent bleeding (25).
  • Do not stuff the nose with tissues, and do not blow the nose when it is bleeding.
  • Do not poke or pick at the clot formed within the nostril after bleeding.

The teen should avoid putting a finger or blow nose for the next two to three days. It is good to avoid strenuous activity like outdoor sports and lifting heavy weights. Reduce the intake of hot beverages for 24 hours after bleeding. Keep your teen calm because being anxious can make bleeding worse.

When To See A Doctor?

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 60% of individuals have encountered a nosebleed at some point. However, only 10% are adverse enough to warrant medical attention. Nonetheless, see a doctor, specifically an ENT specialist, if the adolescent has frequent nosebleeds and during the following circumstances (14):

  • Nosebleeding is frequent and the condition does not resolve
  • Bleeding often lasts for more than ten minutes
  • Nosebleed due to an injury
  • Unable to breathe

    Consult a doctor if the teen is unable to breathe

    Image: IStock

  • A foreign object got into the nose
  • Blood volume is too large
  • Feeling too weak or dizzy
  • Blood in gums, urine, or stool
  • Unexplained bruising

Based on the diagnosis and symptoms, the doctor may suggest treatment options.

Treatment For Nosebleeds In Teenagers

If the nosebleed is due to some underlying condition, treatment for that problem will address nosebleeding too. In other cases, the most common management methods for nosebleeds in teens are (15) (16):

  • Nasal packing: The doctor may use nasal sponges or ribbon gauzeiA sterile, soft, and highly absorbent dressing material used to absorb blood from wounds. to stop bleeding and accelerate clotting.
  • Cauterization: It is a medical procedure in which the doctor may use an electric current, laser, or silver nitrate to burn the blood vessel that is bleeding.
  • Medications: Based on the cause (such as high blood pressure), some teenagers may be prescribed medicines to control bleeding and pain.

    Some teens may be prescribed medicines to control bleeding

    Image: IStock

  • Surgical repair: In the case of a deviated septum or broken nose, a surgical procedure may be required. One method is arterial ligation, in which the blood vessel is tied to prevent bleeding.

The treatment of nosebleeds is carried out with the oversight of a doctor. As the adolescent grows, there is likely to be a complete resolution of nose bleeding with the help of treatment.

How To Prevent Nosebleeds In Teenagers?

Here are some tips to help prevent nosebleeds from happening (14).

  1. Wear protective gear (such as helmets) when playing to avoid injury to the nose.

    Wear helmets when playing to avoid injury

    Image: Shutterstock

  1. In the case of nasal irritation, cold or allergies, do not blow the nose forcefully. Do it gently so that the blood vessels don’t rupture.
  1. Don’t pick the nose too often.
  1. Use a humidifier in the room in case of dry air. At the same time, make sure to clean it from time to time as molds and germs may grow in it.
protip_icon Quick tip
Applying a petroleum-based ointment, such as vaseline, to the dry and cracked nostrils twice daily for a week may also help prevent nosebleeds (26).
  1. Applying sprays, drops, or saline gels in the nostrils may help. Doctors may prescribe antibiotic ointment that can be applied in the nostrils.
  1. Avoid inappropriate or careless use of drugs.
  1. Avoid hot and spicy foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can stress cause nosebleeds in teenagers?

Though more common in adults, high blood pressure may cause nosebleeds in teens. Prolonged stress may be linked to increased blood pressure in children and hence may be indirectly related to nosebleeds (17) (18).

2. Can hormonal changes cause nosebleeds?

Yes, nosebleeds may be caused by hormonal changes, especially in girls (19).

3. Can an iron deficiency cause nosebleeds in teenagers?

Iron deficiency anemia might be associated with a low blood platelet count condition called thrombocytopenia. Teenagers with thrombocytopenia may experience nosebleeds. Blood tests may help doctors confirm the diagnosis (20) (21).

4. Can nosebleeds be caused by anxiety?

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is characterized by frequent and severe nosebleeds. Moreover, depression and anxiety are highly prevalent in HHT patients, which may exhibit an association between nosebleeds and anxiety (22).

5. Can diet affect the frequency of nosebleeds in teenagers?

Certain foods, including those high in salicylates (chocolate, coffee, spices, and certain fruits), natural antiplatelet substances (ginger, garlic, ginkgo biloba, and ginseng), and omega-3 acids (salmon and oily fish), have been linked to increased susceptibility to nosebleeds in HHT (23). Limiting these foods and substances may help reduce nosebleed occurrences in susceptible teenagers.

6. Can lifestyle changes help reduce the frequency of nosebleeds in teenagers?

Incorporating lifestyle changes may effectively decrease the occurrence of nosebleeds in teenagers. Avoiding alcohol and cigarettes and any form of substance abuse is essential as these habits heighten the risk of nosebleeds (23). Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients helps maintain adequate nutrient levels, a lack of which may result in frequent nosebleeds. Additionally, managing conditions like hypertension through healthy eating habits and regular exercise may further help in reducing the frequency of nosebleeds.

Nosebleeds occur due to the rupture of thin blood vessels inside the nose. Most of the incidences of nosebleeds in teens do not have serious causes. Dry air, other weather conditions, injuries, or infections are the common ones. In rare cases, nosebleeds may indicate increased blood pressure or blood clotting disorders. Knowing the right first aid can help resolve the issue. However, seek immediate medical attention if nosebleeds become too frequent, are due to an injury, or are causing substantial blood loss. Treatment for the underlying condition or surgical correction may be suggested depending on the causative factor.

Infographic: How To Stop Nosebleeds In Teenagers?

Nosebleeds in teens are common and can be due to various factors, including dry air, infections, or an injury. In most cases, nosebleeds can be treated at home, as explained in the infographic below. However, if the bleeding persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, seek medical attention.

dos and don t for nosebleeds (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

  • Nosebleeds are usually seen in teenagers during winters or dry weathers.
  • Some allergies, injuries, dry air, infections, high blood pressure, and drug abuse may be the possible causes.
  • Using an ice pack, maintaining an erect posture, or a slight pinch over the nostrils can stop the bleeding.
  • However, frequent nose bleeding, intense injury, or breathing trouble must be immediately reported to the doctors for prompt care.

Illustration: Nosebleeds In Teenagers: Causes Treatment & Prevention

nosebleeds in teenagers_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team


Obtain valuable knowledge on how to effectively address and avoid nosebleeds in children. Get concise and user-friendly tips to safeguard your child’s well-being and maintain their optimal health.

Personal Experience: Source

MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. Ways to stop nosebleeds.
https://aaronlaroche.medium.com/ways-to-stop-nose-bleeds-6c174fdffe6c

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
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Dr. Sameh Mahmoud Shehata
Dr. Sameh Mahmoud ShehataMS
Prof. Sameh Shehata has an experience of 37 years and was the ex-chairman of the pediatric surgery department at the faculty of medicine, University of Alexandria, Egypt, and ex-president of the IPEG Middle East chapter. He also headed the World Federation of Associations of Pediatric Surgery (WOFAPS).

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Dr. Ritika Shah
Dr. Ritika ShahBDS, CLC
Dr. Ritika Shah is a certified lactation counsellor (CLC) from iNational Health Care Academy, Singapore and a dental surgeon with more than seven years of clinical experience across various cities in India. She did her graduation in Dentistry from KM Shah Dental College.

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Swati Patwal
Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

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Ghazia Shah
Ghazia ShahMSc, MA, BEd
Ghazia is a scientist-turned-writer with three years of research experience in Cancer Biology. She did her masters degree in Biotechnology at the University of Kashmir and bachelors in Education at the same university. Ghazia then delved deeper into the science of language with a masters in English.

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