Can Deviated Septum Cause Nosebleed in Your Child?

worried mother holding napkin near upset daughter with nasal bleeding

Diverted septum and nosebleeds (epistaxis) are two common nasal conditions that children somewhere in their lives can encounter. If the septum of your child is deviated, the nasal passages may become drier, causing more nasal bleeding. Although it is rare, the diseases of the nose may become chronic. For these conditions, the best approach for your loved ones is to see a qualified pediatric ENT.

We treat children from infants to 18 years of age, our doctors are all certified with existing medical licenses by the American Otolaryngology Board and are actively published in medical peer-reviews. They also take part regionally and nationally as teachers, speakers and instructors. Our surgeons have a good understanding of diagnosis and treatment of nasal conditions when your child is experiencing recurrent nosebleeds and ensure that your child is treated best.

What is the link between the deviated septum and epistaxis?

It can be due to a nasal obstruction from the deviated septum when your child is having trouble breathing, particularly on one side of the nose. A septum that deviates occurs when the wall is abnormally formed and divides the two nostrils of your child, causing breathing and nasal discharge problems. It can be congenital or can be caused by nose damage. And it becomes more difficult for air to pass when your child has this abnormal nasal cartilage configuration. This makes your nasal membranes more susceptible to nosebleeds, which medically is known as epistaxis, due to the lack of humidity. Although nosebleeds can be alarming, they are not usually severe. Most of them stop alone and can be taken care of at home.

The Complications

If left untreated, a septum severely deflected may cause complications. The condition can lead to nosebleeds as well as:

  • Chronic problems with the sinuses

  • Disturbed Sleep

  • Sleeping with loud breathing

  • Sleeping on one side only

  • Face pain

  • Dry mouth

  • Nasal pathway pressure or congestion

Nosebleeds can also cause additional problems, like anemia, as long as these occur.

You Need Medical Help

Although nosebleeds may not be too serious, they may still cause concerns and may require a pediatric ENT specialist's expertise. You may need to call the doctor:

  • Has nosebleeds in common

  • Has nosebleeds not stopped for 10 minutes after two pressure attempts

  • Has severe nosebleeds causing dizziness or weakness

  • Tends easily to bleed

  • Has severe bleeding due to minor wounds or other places of bleeding (e.g., gums)

Nosebleeds medical treatment by an ENT specialist

If your child is having severe nasal bleeding, visit our pediatric ENT surgeons in OKC. Depending on the cause, nosebleeds may be treated. Visit us at OKOA for pediatric ENT in OKC.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.