(HealthDay News) -- Nosebleeds are common during childhood, especially during the preschool years. Though they can be scary, they usually aren't caused by a serious problem.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says common causes of nosebleeds include:

• Allergies or a cold, which can lead to nasal swelling or irritation.
• Trauma to the nose, from blowing too hard, picking or putting an object in the nose.
• Exposure to a very dry environment or harsh fumes.
• An abnormal anatomical structure of the nose.
• An abnormal growth inside the nose.
• A blood-clotting problem.
• Taking medication that dries out the nasal passages.