Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 14, 2026

The Perinatal Asphyxiated Lamb Model: A Model for Newborn Resuscitation
Published on: August 15, 2018
A Rare But Important Entity: Epistaxis in Infants
Amy M DeLaroche1, Helene Tigchelaar1, Nirupama Kannikeswaran1
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, Michigan.
Insights
Epistaxis (nosebleeds) in infants under two years old is rare and may indicate serious underlying conditions like bleeding disorders or nonaccidental trauma. Prompt evaluation is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Clinical Case Review
Background:
- Epistaxis is a frequent emergency department (ED) complaint, but uncommon in children under two years old.
- In infants, nosebleeds can signal a bleeding disorder or nonaccidental trauma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology and differential diagnoses of epistaxis in infants.
- To outline the initial evaluation approach for this rare clinical presentation in young children.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 2-month-old infant presenting with epistaxis, followed by head trauma.
- Literature review of infant epistaxis epidemiology, differential diagnoses, and evaluation strategies.
Main Results:
- The infant case highlights the potential for serious underlying pathology.
- Review emphasizes the need to consider systemic disease and nonaccidental trauma.
Conclusions:
- Emergency physicians must screen for bleeding disorders and maintain a high suspicion for nonaccidental trauma in infants with epistaxis.
- The diagnostic approach for infant epistaxis differs significantly from older children due to potential underlying severity.
Background:
Epistaxis is a common emergency department (ED) complaint; however, this entity is rare among children younger than 2 years of age. In this age group, epistaxis may be a presenting sign of a bleeding disorder or nonaccidental trauma.
Case Report:
We present a case of a 2-month-old infant who was evaluated in the pediatric ED for epistaxis and discharged home. The infant returned 2 days later with facial swelling and irritability, and was found to have significant head trauma. In this article we review the epidemiology and differential diagnoses for epistaxis among infants, as well as the initial approach to the evaluation of this uncommon clinical entity in this age group. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Potential etiologies for epistaxis among infants and young children include severe systemic disease and nonaccidental trauma. Given its rarity and possible clinical significance, the approach to epistaxis differs in this age group. Emergency physicians should screen for and exclude a bleeding disorder while also having a very low threshold for a nonaccidental trauma evaluation.
Related Concept Videos
Epistaxis
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...
Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Equipment Required
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
Breathing
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by...

