How to Deal With Nosebleeds and Headaches in Children?

Nosebleeds and headaches are not a very rare occurrence in young kids. However, if it is a persistent and recurring problem, then you might need to see a doctor. Read on to know more;

Nosebleeds are more common than you’d think. Also, in most cases, they heal after some time and are not a painful problem. Headaches, on the other end, can be slightly concerning if your child is young. An injury, excessive stress, gastric issues or an unhealthy sleep cycle are some of the few reasons that explain the sudden bouts of headaches in children.

Now, individually, these medical issues are not very problematic. However, if your child experiences both nosebleeds and headaches for a long time, then it is highly recommended that you get them checked.

About Nosebleeds and Headaches

Studies have shown that about 56% of kids between the ages of 6 to 10 will experience nosebleeds at least once a year. The bleeding starts when the blood vessels in the nasal passage break. This can be caused by excessive nose picking, intrusion by a sharp foreign object, the blunt force being used against the nose, dry nasal passage, and respiratory problems. Other serious concerns like liver infections, kidney diseases, blocked sinuses and tumours are rare, though you should get the kid checked just as a precautionary measure.

Headaches, though a common ailment in adults, can be quite concerning in children if left untreated for long. There are basically two types of headaches that doctors use to gauge the severity of the problem. The primary type is quite common and fleeting. The second type can be a result of trauma, infection or head injury. Other classifications of headaches include- migraines, tension headaches and cluster headaches.

What to Do When Headaches and Nosebleeds Come Together?

If the child experiences headaches and nosebleeds together, it can be a serious concern for parents. It also narrows down the possible causes and health risks, making it easier for a doctor to diagnose the issue. Here are a few reasons why the two can hit together;

Allergies and Infections

Allergies are usually a result of either outside pollution or genetic causes. Check if your family has a history of atopic diseases like eczema or asthma. Also, get an appointment to test for sinus infections and other bacterial diseases as they can lead to dengue fever.

Serious Migraines

Usually, adults suffer from Migraines. However, if your child complains of constant headaches, has a problem with sharp light and sudden movement and experiences frequent nosebleeds- take them to a doctor immediately. Food poisoning, or inhaling toxic gases also leads to excessive nosebleed and extreme headache.

Trauma and Tumors

Head injuries, blunt force traumas, tumours and sinuses are some of the rare but worrying reasons behind double attack from nosebleeds and headaches. There are different types of tumours and neurological diseases that can affect the child. The preliminary symptoms of tumours are nosebleeds and headaches.

High Blood Pressure and Blood Vessel Disorders

High blood pressure and sugar levels in children can be extremely alarming. With the unhealthy lifestyle, junk food diet and lack of exercise- hypertension, thyroid problems, kidney diseases are quite inevitable. Nosebleeds and headaches are usually seen as some of the first signs or red flags for these diseases.

When Should You Approach A Doctor?

Well, to be honest, if your child is constantly suffering from nosebleeds and headaches, it is high time you take them to a specialist. However, most parents see headaches as quite natural, or even a ploy to skip school. Talk to your kids, listen to them and believe them when they say that they are in pain. Here are some of the instances when immediate medical assistance is needed;

• Call the doctor or pediatrician if the nosebleed doesn’t automatically stop within 20- minutes.
• In case the child feels nauseous, faint or disoriented
• If the headaches lead to sudden bouts of swooning
• If the child has a medical history of blood pressure, tumour or sinuses

The Correct Diagnosis and Treatment

First and foremost, doctors would take a detailed account of all the symptoms that the child is suffering through. Ensure that you tell the doctor everything, even carry the medical records in case he wants to take a look. Then the doctor might prescribe some tests like a blood test, the liver function test, or coagulation tests. CT scans and MRIs are also often recommended by the doctor for a thorough checkup.

The treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and the current medical condition of the child. Don’t take any risks, if you don’t have a good feeling about it in your gut, get the child admitted for proper medical care. Hopefully, taking remedial measures early on will help your child to a great extent!