Bloody snot is a serious pathology that does not occur so often in childhood. Noticing an admixture of blood in the nasal secretions, parents are frightened at first, after which they immediately seek medical advice. Snot with blood in a child appears due to a violation of the integrity of the blood vessels in the nasal cavities.
Nosebleeds are characterized by a large volume of emitted blood, which is due to the presence of a branched capillary network in this area. However, you should not panic, because nosebleeds and bloody snot are different phenomena. Bleeding develops as a result of damage to a larger vessel or several small ones. In this case, immediate medical attention is required.
Causes of a bloody runny nose
A runny nose with blood in a child can be observed due to:
- mechanical damage to a blood vessel. The reason for this may be improper cleansing of the nasal passages, a blow to the nasal region or injury to the mucous membrane with sharp objects that the child can insert into the nose;
Violent blowing out of the nose can cause blood to flow from the nose.
- overdrying of the nasal mucosa. When atrophic rhinitis develops, the mucous membrane becomes thinner, the risk of injury increases. If babies are in a room with dry, polluted air for a long time, the mucous membrane of the nasal cavities is irritated, the production of mucus decreases, and atrophic processes develop. When dry crusts form in the nose, they must be carefully removed, otherwise snot with bloody streaks may emerge from the child's nose;
- long-term use of nasal drops with a vasoconstrictor effect. Failure to comply with the terms of use of these drugs leads to persistent narrowing of the blood vessels, due to which the mucous membrane dries up. In addition, prolonged use of iodine-saline rinsing solutions and concentrated onion drops can also damage the mucous membrane;
- hypovitaminosis. Against the background of a lack of vitamin C, the fragility of blood vessels increases, which is manifested by an admixture of blood in the snot;
- genetic predisposition to vascular diseases, the development of which is based on their fragility. Hereditary diseases can cause the development of rhinitis when snot with blood is observed in a baby;
- increased intracranial pressure. This happens when there is a sharp change in atmospheric pressure, for example, when climbing into a mountainous area, excessive physical exertion or a long stay in the "upside down" position (headstand);
- viral infection. In the case of a cold, certain types of viruses, such as the flu, negatively affect blood vessels, increasing the risk of injury.
Clinical manifestations
In addition to streaks of blood in the snot, symptoms of the disease may appear, such as:
- nasal congestion;
- Difficulty nasal breathing against the background of swelling of the mucous membrane and severe rhinorrhea;
- hyperthermia. The level of fever depends on the type of infectious agent;
- discharge from the nose of a mucous nature. Over time, they become thicker, acquire a yellowish tint.
The accumulation of secretions in the nasal cavities slows down the healing of injured tissues, due to which the admixture of blood will persist for a long time.
Therapeutic tactics
With the right therapy, a bloody runny nose can be cured quickly enough. The main task is to establish the cause of the disease. With a runny nose in children, parents need to follow some recommendations:
- provide optimal living conditions. In the children's room, you need to maintain humidity at 65%, the temperature should be 20 degrees. Wet cleaning and airing are required daily. The listed measures can reduce the irritating effect of environmental factors on the mucous membrane and facilitate nasal breathing;
- when the mucous membrane is dry, it is shown to be lubricated with rosehip oil. The enveloping property of the oil makes it possible to protect the nasal mucosa and accelerate tissue regeneration;
- regular flushing of the nasal passages with saline solutions to cleanse the mucous membranes. Children are allowed to use Aqua Maris, Dolphin from the first days of life. The procedures can also be performed with saline;
- cleansing the nose in infants should be carried out using a special aspirator;
- to strengthen the vascular wall, the intake of ascorbic acid is shown. In the absence of allergy to the drug, it is prescribed for a long course to reduce the fragility of blood vessels and increase immunity;
- treatment of mucous membrane with tea tree oil, olives. For the procedure, it is necessary to moisten a cotton swab in oil and insert it into the nasal passage for 5 minutes.
In severe cases, aminocaproic acid is prescribed. It is applied topically to stop mucosal bleeding. To rinse the nasal cavities, you can use a decoction of plantain, rose hips, willow bark, linden, calendula, and chamomile.
For internal use, you can prepare a healing drink. In the store, you should buy linden, raspberry tea, packaged in bags. One sachet should be poured with 480 ml boiling water in a resealable container, leave for a quarter of an hour. Then you need to add chopped ginger (a pinch) and 15 ml of melted honey. Give to the child instead of tea.
If the cause of a bloody rhinitis is the presence of a vascular disease, a rheumatologist consultation may be required.
Preventive Tips
To avoid disrupting the integrity of the blood vessels in the nasal cavities, it is recommended:
- monitor the correctness of cleansing the child's nose, because strong blowing out leads to damage to small capillaries;
- regularly rinse cavities with saline solutions;
- gently cleanse the nose of babies using a special aspirator;
- maintain optimal living conditions in the children's room;
- avoid hypothermia of the child, his contact with sick people (especially during an epidemic of viral diseases).
To strengthen the immune system, it is necessary to carry out vitamin therapy, hardening procedures and do not forget about spa treatment.
