As temperatures rise and summer sets, children look forward to vacations, outdoor play, and endless adventures. However, summer also brings an unexpected and often concerning issue for many parents: Frequent nosebleeds.
Recently, we attended to a 9-year-old child who presented with frequent nosebleeds. During the evaluation, we discovered that his parents were keeping him exclusively in air-conditioned environments to avoid heat exposure. The dry indoor air led to dryness in his nasal passages, resulting in recurrent nosebleeds.
With the assistance of our ENT specialist, we provided appropriate treatment and guidance for managing his condition.
At KD Hospital, we see a noticeable increase in such cases during the hotter months.
While nosebleeds—medically known as epistaxis—they are typically harmless and easily manageable. In this blog, we'll explore why children are more susceptible to nosebleeds during the summer, how to handle them effectively at home, and when to seek medical attention.
What are nosebleeds and why are children more vulnerable?
Nosebleeds occur when the delicate blood vessels inside the nasal passages break and begin to bleed. In children, the most common type is an anterior nosebleed, originating from a region called Kiesselbach's plexus at the front of the nasal septum. This area is rich in tiny capillaries and is fragile in young children due to their thin nasal linings and frequent habits like nose-picking or rubbing.
Why do nosebleeds increase during summer?
- 1. Dry heat and dehydration:
One of the most common culprits during the summer months is dryness of the nasal mucosa. High temperatures and low humidity can dry out the lining inside the nose. When this lining cracks, even a rub or sneeze can rupture the tiny vessels and lead to bleeding.
Moreover, children are more prone to dehydration in the summer due to sweating, heat exposure, and increased physical activity. When the body is dehydrated, all mucous membranes, including the nasal passages, lose moisture, becoming more prone to damage.
- 2. Air conditioning:
While air conditioners help keep our homes and cars cool, they also strip the air of moisture. Prolonged exposure to air-conditioned environments can further dehydrate the nasal passages, particularly when children frequently transition between the hot outdoor atmosphere and the cool, dry indoor climate.
Our paediatricians at KD Hospital recommend maintaining optimal indoor humidity levels during summer to reduce nasal dryness.
- 3. Frequent nose-picking:
In summer, dried mucus and crusting in the nose make children feel itchy or uncomfortable. It often leads to habitual nose-picking, which can injure sensitive blood vessels. At KD Hospital, we counsel parents on gently discouraging this behaviour and using saline drops to soften the nasal mucosa.
- 4. Summer allergies and irritants:
In summer, when the air is filled with increased levels of pollen, dust, and environmental pollutants, children with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) may rub or blow their nose frequently, causing trauma to the nasal lining. Swimming in chlorinated pools or exposure to environmental irritants like smoke or dust can further aggravate the nasal tissues.
If your child suffers from seasonal allergies, our paediatricians may recommend antihistamines or nasal sprays to reduce inflammation and protect the nasal mucosa.
- 5. Increased outdoor activity and minor trauma:
Summer vacations mean more playtime, sports, and physical activity. Children are more likely to fall or bump their noses, which can directly trigger bleeding. Even vigorous sneezing or blowing the nose during high activity can rupture fragile capillaries.
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When should you be concerned?
Most nosebleeds are mild and self-limiting, but there are situations when medical attention is warranted. At KD Hospital, we advise parents to consult a paediatrician if:
- The nosebleed lasts longer than 15–20 minutes
- The bleeding is heavy or frequent (more than twice a week)
- Blood is coming from both nostrils or recurs while sleeping
- Your child appears pale, dizzy, or fatigued
- There's bleeding from other areas (gums, urine, or bruises), suggesting a potential bleeding disorder
- Nosebleeds follow a head injury
Our leading paediatric experts and team are fully equipped to investigate and manage simple and complex causes of epistaxis.
How to stop a nosebleed at home: What we recommend as an expert.
Managing a nosebleed promptly and correctly can significantly reduce a child's discomfort and parent anxiety. Let's understand what our paediatricians at KD Hospital recommend:
Step-by-step guide:
- Stay calm – Reassure your child; panic can worsen the bleeding.
- Sit upright and lean forward – This prevents blood from draining into the throat and avoids choking or vomiting.
- Pinch the soft part of the nose – Use your thumb and index finger to gently squeeze the nostrils, just below the bony bridge. Hold for 10 uninterrupted minutes.
- Apply a cold compress – A cool cloth or ice pack on the nose or back of the neck can constrict blood vessels and reduce bleeding.
- Avoid lying down or tilting the head back – This outdated practice increases the risk of blood entering the throat and stomach.
After the bleeding stops, advise your child not to touch, blow, or pick the nose for several hours to avoid re-bleeding.
Preventing summer nosebleeds in children:
At KD Hospital, our approach is always prevention-first. Here are approved tips to minimise the occurrence of summer nosebleeds:
- Use saline nasal sprays 2–3 times daily
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment inside the nostrils at bedtime
- Avoid overusing medicated nasal sprays without paediatric consultation
Ensure your child drinks plenty of water and fluids during the day. Please encourage them to eat watermelon, oranges, and cucumbers.
Use humidifiers in air-conditioned rooms to prevent dry air. Clean and maintain them regularly to avoid mould growth.
Teach your child the importance of not picking their nose, as it can injure the delicate nasal lining. Keeping their fingernails short and clean can help minimise damage if the habit occurs.
- Consult our pediatric team for allergy testing if needed
- Administer antihistamines or nasal steroids as prescribed
- Minimise outdoor exposure during high pollen times
Encourage your child to wear a helmet and appropriate protective gear during sports or cycling to reduce the risk of facial injuries that could lead to nosebleeds.
Could frequent nosebleeds be a sign of something serious?
While most cases are benign, recurrent or unexplained nosebleeds may require further evaluation. Conditions such as:
- Bleeding disorders (e.g., haemophilia, von willebrand disease)
- Nasal polyps or anatomical abnormalities
- Chronic sinus infections
- Tumours (rare in children) can present as frequent nosebleeds.
At KD Hospital, we provide paediatric ENT evaluations.
Our assessments may include nasal endoscopy, blood tests, and advanced imaging when necessary—ensuring precise diagnosis and personalised treatment.
At KD Hospital, our leading paediatricians and ENT specialists work collaboratively to provide holistic care for your child. From preventive advice and medical management to advanced diagnostics, our focus is always on your child's health, comfort, and long-term wellness.
We also provide:
- Allergy testing and management
- Child-friendly ENT consultations
- Nutritional counseling for summer hydration and immunity
- 24/7 emergency care for prolonged or severe bleeding episodes
Best hospital for paediatric care in Ahmedabad.
In a nutshell:
Nosebleeds during summer are common and usually nothing to worry about. They are often the result of dry air, dehydration, allergies, or minor trauma—all of which are preventable or manageable with simple precautions.
As a parent, staying informed and proactive can go a long way in protecting your child's health. Keeping their nasal passages moist, ensuring they stay well-hydrated, and managing allergies effectively can significantly lower the risk of nosebleeds during the summer months.
If you're unsure or concerned, don't hesitate to consult our leading paediatric & neonatal team at KD Hospital, Ahmedabad. We're here to care, support, and guide you every step of the way.
