Nosebleeds are common for most children ages 3 to 10. Nosebleeds are caused by several things, such as having allergies or a cold, living in dry climates, or picking the nose. Although there is no cure for nosebleeds, there are ways to easily treat and prevent them.

How can I treat my child’s nosebleed?

• When your child’s nosebleed begins, be sure to stay calm and comfort your child.

• Have your child sit up and lean forward slightly. This is to prevent them from swallowing blood or vomiting. Do NOT have them lay back- this can worsen the bleeding.

• Tell them to breathe out of their mouths while lightly pinching their nose for approximately 5 to 10 minutes.

• You can apply something cold on the bridge of their nose- no gauze or tissue.

• If the bleeding does not stop, repeat the steps.

• Be sure to encourage your child to not pick or rub their nose for the following few days.

How can I prevent my child from having nosebleeds?

• Keep your child from rubbing and picking their nose.

• Teach your child to blow their nose gently.

• Keep clean-filtered humidifiers in different rooms if the air in your home is dry.

• Use salt-water nasal sprays (talk to your provider before proceeding).

• Rub a thin layer of petroleum jelly or medicated ointment around the rim of their nose.

• If your child is in a sport or physically active, have them use protective wear that will prevent head injuries or anything that can cause a nosebleed.

• Do not smoke around your child.

Call your provider right away if your child is pale, sweaty, or non-responsive if they have lost a lot of blood, or if their nose is bleeding from a blow to the head.

If you have any questions about how to manage your child’s nosebleeds, please give us a call and schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified providers to help you find the best ways to help at 210-616-0882.

Asthma is an extremely common lung condition in the United States- approximately 26 million children and adults suffer from it. With so many people having this condition, there are bound to be rumors and myths that come with it. Today, we will fact-check some of these myths to create more safety and awareness for those with asthma.

Myth: Children can outgrow asthma.1

Truth: Asthma can go into periods of remission or may be so well controlled that symptoms are not experienced for long periods. Once you have asthma, you’ll always have asthma. 

Myth: Asthma is difficult to control. 3

Truth: It can be well-controlled with the right treatment options available to you.

Myth: You can stop medication during the seasons that you don’t have any exposure to your asthma triggers.1

Truth: It’s important for you to continue your asthma action plan and take your medication to keep control of your asthma. Your doctor may tell you to reduce your medication if it is well under control, however, it is very dangerous to stop without supervision. 

Myth: Pregnant women with asthma should not take the flu shot.1

Truth: Pregnant women should get the flu shot when it’s available. Getting the vaccine is protecting them, and via the placenta, giving the baby some flu immunity, too. 

Myth: Asthma medication is dangerous and can be addicting.4

Truth: No asthma medication used in the U.S. is habit-forming or addicting. Although some medications are inhaled corticosteroids, these are not related to the steroids used for muscle growth (for athletes). 

Myth: Asthma can’t be fatal.5

Truth: It is rare, but fatalities can happen. The rate of death due to asthma has been decreasing since 2001

Myth: My child has asthma and shouldn’t be allowed to play outside or play any sports.7

Truth: All kids need to exercise and be healthy. As long as a child with controlled asthma takes their medication before they play outside or join a sport, they should be able to keep up. If the child has uncontrolled asthma, they may develop symptoms as they play. 

Myth: Asthma symptoms are the same for everyone.2

Truth: Asthma affects each person differently. One person might show several symptoms and others may just cough.

Myth: Asthma is all in your mind.2

Truth: Asthma is hard to predict but can be very serious. There can be underlying inflammation in the airways in people with asthma. Asthma doesn’t just go away when symptoms are gone. 

Myth: Asthma medication becomes less effective over time.6

Truth: If you have an asthma attack, it may not be that your medication has stopped working- it may just be the air quality or you are being exposed to a new environmental trigger. Although if it is noticeable that you’re having a difficult time controlling your asthma, contact your doctor and find ways to better manage or change your medication. 

If you have any questions about how to maintain your asthma, please give us a call and schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified providers to help you find the best ways to help. 210-616-0882. 

1. Allergyasthmanetwork.com  
2. https://health.utah.gov/asthma/pdfs/factsheets/myths_facts_asthma.pdf
3. https://www.amestrib.com/news/20180514/myth-busting-5-facts-about-allergic-asthma-that-may-surprise-you 
4. health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/2018-12-04/common-myths-about-asthma  
5. https://www.pulmonologyadvisor.com/home/topics/asthma/asthma-myths-5-misconceptions-your-patients-might-have/ 
6. https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/busting-6-asthma-myths 
7. https://www.chop.edu/news/asthma-myths-and-facts