When is a Bloody Nose Concerning?

Charting Pediatrics

As a child, a nosebleed can be painful and embarrassing. Surprisingly, it’s also something primary care providers run into often in their practices. While the great majority of nosebleeds, also called epistaxis, are limited in severity and duration, about 6% of people who experience them will seek medical attention. Interventions range from self-treatment and home remedies to more intensive procedural options and medications. Why are we seeing so many cases of epistaxis in our offices? What is causing the onset of these nosebleeds, and are environmental changes a culprit?

To explore the intricacies of epistaxis, we are joined by Jeremy Prager, MD. Dr. Prager specializes in otolaryngology at Children’s Hospital Colorado and is a Professor of Otolaryngology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Some highlights from this episode include:

• How to differentiate between a nosebleed and a more severe epistaxis diagnosis.
• The importance of partnership between the specialist and the primary care provider to properly care for a nosebleed.
• The most common causes of a nose bleed in children by age.
• How to support patients when outpatient management isn’t working.

For more information on Children’s Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.