Nosebleeds After a Cold – Prevention and Treatment Options

The summer heat gives way to autumn, bringing not only a drop in temperature but also an increase in respiratory illnesses. During the autumn months, especially among children, colds and respiratory infections become widespread. The cooler weather leads to more time spent indoors, which increases the spread of viruses, allowing coughing and sneezing children to easily infect each other. Therefore, proper prevention and treatment are particularly important to prevent these illnesses from causing more serious problems.

Frequency of Respiratory Illnesses

The frequency of respiratory illnesses is particularly noticeable in communities such as schools and kindergartens. Parents and educators should pay attention to symptoms, and in cases of acute respiratory complaints, it is advisable to keep the child at home. If a fever does not subside after three days, or if the child complains of ear or throat pain, it is wise to consult a doctor.

Treatment of Respiratory Illnesses

When treating respiratory illnesses, adequate fluid intake is essential. In case of fever, the child needs more fluids than usual. The best choices include orange juice, preservative-free fruit juice, or rose hip tea, which not only hydrate but also support recovery with vitamins.

A healthy 10-year-old child requires 45 mg of vitamin C daily, while younger children may need 50 mg and older children up to 100 mg of vitamin C, preferably in tablet form, during respiratory illnesses. Additionally, using local nasal drops and regular nose blowing is important to maintain nasal patency, thereby preventing complications.

Prevention of Colds

To prevent colds, several steps can be taken to help reduce the risk of infection. A balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits, which provides ample sources of vitamin C, is essential. While domestic seasonal fruits are available, it is advisable to consume as many as possible; later, fermented cabbage, citrus fruits, and rose hip tea are also recommended.

It is important for the child to dress in layers according to the weather and spend as much time outdoors as possible, where they can engage in sports or hiking in fresh air. For healthy children, taking vitamin supplements is not necessary, as a natural diet sufficiently provides the required nutrients. For those who frequently suffer from colds or respiratory infections, salt cabin treatment can be effective for therapy and prevention.

Complications of Colds: Nosebleeds

One unpleasant complication of a cold can be nosebleeds, which may develop due to the prolonged illness. Bleeding can occur because of inflammation or dryness of the nasal mucosa, but it can also result from the use of nasal drops or sprays. Rarely, nasal injuries or bleeding disorders may contribute to the problem.

Nosebleeds usually last for a short time and stop spontaneously. Often, the dilation of vessels in the anterior third of the nasal septum causes the bleeding, which rarely requires serious intervention. To prevent bleeding from dry mucosa, it is recommended to use saline nasal rinses and nasal oils, which are available over the counter at pharmacies.

Treatment of Nosebleeds

In the case of a nosebleed, the first step is to prevent the blood from flowing back into the throat. The child should lean forward to strongly blow out any clots from their nose, then pinch the nostrils together with two fingers. If the bleeding does not stop or returns, a doctor should be consulted, and in urgent cases, an ambulance should be called.

It is important for parents and educators to remain calm, as even a relatively small amount of bleeding can be frightening for the child. During medical intervention, the vessel stump is usually cauterized or “burned” electrically, and rarely tamponade is necessary. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia for older children, while younger ones may require general anesthesia. In recurring or more severe cases, checking blood counts, iron levels, and coagulation factors may also be part of the examination.

These steps and advice can help in the prevention, treatment, and avoidance of complications of colds, ensuring the health of children during the autumn-winter period.