Question

Enumerate causes of epistaxis in children.

Hint:

In children, epistaxis is often benign, but recurrent or severe bleeding may warrant further investigation for bleeding disorders or anatomical issues.

Answer 1

Step 1: Causes of Epistaxis in Children.
Epistaxis (noseblee is a common condition in children, often resulting from a variety of local and systemic causes. Some common causes include:
(1) Trauma: The most frequent cause of epistaxis in children, often due to nose picking, foreign body insertion, or facial injury.
(2) Dry Air/Environmental Factors: Dry air, particularly in winter, can cause drying of the nasal mucosa and increase susceptibility to bleeding.
(3) Allergic Rhinitis: Inflammation and irritation of the nasal passages due to allergens can lead to increased nasal congestion and bleeding.
(4) Upper Respiratory Infections: Viral infections such as the common cold can cause inflammation and rupture of fragile blood vessels in the nose.
(5) Anatomical Abnormalities: Conditions like septal deviations or vascular malformations can predispose children to frequent nosebleeds.
(6) Bleeding Disorders: Conditions such as von Willebrand disease, hemophilia, or platelet dysfunction can result in abnormal bleeding, including epistaxis.
(7) Medications: Use of certain medications, such as aspirin or nasal steroids, can predispose to bleeding.