Symptom 5: Bleeding from the Nose, Throat, or Ears
Kids can be boisterous, often resulting in minor injuries. But when a child starts having recurrent nosebleeds, or there’s unexplained bleeding from the ears or throat, it’s a different ballpark. In RMS, particularly the tumors growing in the nasal or throat region, such bleeding can be a significant symptom. It might begin as a trickle, easy to dismiss as being due to dry air or a minor injury. But over time, the frequency and volume might escalate.
Moreover, the bleeding could be accompanied by other symptoms. There might be a persistent sore throat or a feeling of something stuck, leading to swallowing difficulties. Ear involvement could lead to decreased hearing or a constant ringing sound, medically termed as tinnitus.
For parents, seeing their child bleed can be harrowing. But more than panic, what’s needed is prompt action. Recording the instances of bleeding, including their duration, frequency, and any accompanying symptoms, is pivotal. This data, though seemingly simple, can provide clinicians with valuable insights into the disease’s nature and progression. (5)