Many children experience nosebleeds at some stage — especially between the ages of 3 and 10. These are often brief and harmless, particularly when linked to colds, dry air or minor knocks and bumps.
However, if your child is having frequent, heavy, or prolonged nosebleeds, it’s worth having this checked by a paediatric ENT specialist. Persistent nosebleeds can interfere with sleep, school or simply cause a lot of distress — and in most cases, they’re treatable with a simple in-clinic procedure.
The most common cause is prominent blood vessels located just inside the front of the nose on the nasal septum (commonly known as Little’s Area). When these small vessels bleed, a scab forms. If a child picks, rubs or accidentally disturbs it — especially if it’s itchy — the bleeding often starts again.
Nosebleeds may also become more frequent during hay fever season or in children with underlying allergies, when the nasal lining is inflamed.
Some parents report more frequent nosebleeds in older girls and teenagers linked to menstruation. It is thought that hormonal levels can make blood vessels more fragile and some patients report frequent nosebleeds on or around their period.
Less commonly, frequent nosebleeds can be a sign of a bleeding disorder — particularly if there’s a family history.
When I see your child, I begin by listening carefully to what’s been happening — how often the bleeds occur, how long they last, and whether there are any triggers like exercise or allergies.
I’ll also talk you through the correct technique to stop a nosebleed: pinching the soft, lower part of the nose (not the bridge), and leaning your child forward slightly until the bleeding stops. Applying ice to the back of the neck and forehead can also help to slow the bleeding.
Getting a clear diagnosis early allows us to plan the right support — whether that’s monitoring, medical treatment or hearing technology.
Sometimes nosebleeds can be prevented by tackling allergies or by ensuring the nasal passages are kept moist, ensuring your child doesn’t get dehydrated and using a simple saltwater nasal spray gently and regularly.
If your child’s nosebleeds are becoming disruptive or keep returning, we may recommend nasal cautery. This is a simple and well-tolerated in-clinic treatment:
Blood vessels can re-grow and we may consider repeat cautery if symptoms return — this is not unusual, and still very manageable. In more persistent cases, I may recommend checking your child’s clotting function, though this is rarely abnormal unless there’s a known family history.
Whatever the cause, early intervention makes a huge difference — helping your child develop speech, confidence and connection with the world around them.
If your child is experiencing frequent or heavy nosebleeds, it’s worth seeking expert support. As a paediatric ENT specialist, I can assess the nose carefully, treat any underlying blood vessels, and give practical advice to help prevent future episodes. Most nosebleeds in children are easy to manage — and getting on top of them can offer huge relief for you and your child.
Jen Magill is a Consultant Paediatric ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) surgeon based at the world-renowned Portland Hospital in London. Jen is an experienced children’s doctor, who has completed thousands of assessments and surgeries on babies, children and teenagers in her career.
| Monday | 9.00 am – 5:00pm |
| Wednesday | 9.00 am – 5:00pm |
Portland Hospital for Women and Children
Second floor
234 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5QT
T: 020 7390 8300
E: Query@london-ent-kids.com
