When is a Bloody Nose Concerning?

When is a Bloody Nose Concerning?

Author: Children's Hospital Colorado November 5, 2024 Duration: 23:57

As a child, a nosebleed can be painful and embarrassing. Surprisingly, it's also something primary care providers run into often in their practices. While the great majority of nosebleeds, also called epistaxis, are limited in severity and duration, about 6% of people who experience them will seek medical attention. Interventions range from self-treatment and home remedies to more intensive procedural options and medications. Why are we seeing so many cases of epistaxis in our offices? What is causing the onset of these nosebleeds, and are environmental changes a culprit?

To explore the intricacies of epistaxis, we are joined by Jeremy Prager, MD. Dr. Prager specializes in otolaryngology at Children's Hospital Colorado and is a Professor of Otolaryngology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Some highlights from this episode include: 

  • How to differentiate between a nosebleed and a more severe epistaxis diagnosis. 
  • The importance of partnership between the specialist and the primary care provider to properly care for a nosebleed. 
  • The most common causes of a nose bleed  in children by age. 
  • How to support patients when outpatient management isn't working. 

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 


For those dedicated to the health of children, Charting Pediatrics serves as a vital, ongoing conversation directly from the front lines of pediatric care. Produced by the multidisciplinary experts at Children's Hospital Colorado, this weekly podcast delves into the nuanced realities of modern medicine for young patients. Each episode moves beyond textbook summaries to explore the practical application of groundbreaking research, emerging innovations, and essential educational resources. The discussions are candid, often tackling the complex challenges that clinicians face daily, from evolving treatment protocols to systemic issues within the healthcare community. Now in its eighth season, the program has established itself as a trusted source for physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge and refine their practice. Listening to this podcast feels like gaining direct access to a roundtable of specialists, all focused on a single goal: empowering medical providers with the context and confidence needed to make the best decisions for their patients. The tone is collegial and insightful, transforming the latest evidence and clinical experience into actionable understanding. It’s where the science of pediatrics meets the art of its application, fostering a supportive dialogue for anyone committed to advancing child health.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Charting Pediatrics
Podcast Episodes
Advocating for Equitable Care [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:53
Every child has an individual healthcare experience, but for marginalized communities like migrant families, they face some unique challenges in our healthcare system. From dealing with trauma to navigating a language ba…
The Evolution of Pediatric ENT [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:01
Advances in technology, medical knowledge and the establishment of pediatric tracheary care institutions have helped revolutionize pediatric otolaryngology. For specialists in this field, watching the growth unfold has b…
When the Air Gets Thin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:04
Picture this: You travel to the mountains, excited to take on your next big adventure, only to find yourself breathless, your stomach is churning and in the morning your head is throbbing. It's altitude sickness, otherwi…
Disparities in Organ Transplant [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:34
Every year, thousands of people are added to organ transplant waiting lists, but not all patients have equal access to the life-saving procedures they desperately need. As transplant programs around the world continue to…
A Sublingual Solution [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:12
Anaphylaxis is a serious, systemic hypersensitivity reaction with rapid onset and can be potentially fatal. It is frightening for patients, families and medical providers. Currently, the standard treatment is epinephrine…
From Rounds to Downloads [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:29
Podcasts have become one of the most popular content mediums, captivating millions worldwide. Their convenient, on-the-go format allows people to multitask while they listen. From entertainment to education, podcasts are…
Strategies for Success [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:25
Around the country and across the globe, children's hospitals play an essential role in kid's health and well-being. They provide specialized care, crucial research, essential education and vital community outreach. As w…
Defeating Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:44
It's hard to fathom why certain children receive life altering diagnoses. Pediatricians simply want to help, and that help usually comes in the form of early diagnosis. Duchenne muscular dystrophy, otherwise known as Duc…
Checking Kids Cholesterol [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:12
Pediatricians don't often screen children and adolescents for a lipid profile, an important tool for identifying cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is considered a life-course condition, meaning it can begin…
Happy Holidays from Charting Pediatrics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:24
In this special holiday episode, we reflect on our favorite episodes from the past year and look forward to the year ahead. From all of us at Children's Hospital Colorado, we wish you a happy holiday season. Charting Ped…