Nasal Cauterisation

Causes and Symptoms

Nosebleeds in children are commonly caused by the bursting of blood vessels in the front part of the nose (anterior section). This is particularly common in younger children. The area in the nose where blood vessels converge, known as Little’s area, is very close to the surface and prone to bleeding.

Children may also suffer from vestibulitis, a mild nasal infection that can lead to nosebleeds, often worsened by allergies or viral infections.

Treatment

For many children, antibiotic ointments like Bactroban (applied twice daily for two weeks) can effectively stop nosebleeds. However, if the nosebleeds continue, a procedure called cauterisation may be recommended. During this outpatient procedure, a nose surgeon uses silver nitrate to cauterise the blood vessels after applying a local anaesthetic nasal spray.

Typically, cauterisation is performed on one side of the septum at a time to reduce the small risk of septal perforation. For the best long-term results, multiple sessions (usually 3) are spaced about six weeks apart.