Nosebleeds in children are common, typically as the result of dryness or the normal rubbing and picking that often accompany itchy or blocked noses. Sometimes they may also be caused by abnormal blood vessels or problems clotting, leading to frequent nosebleeds.
To stop a nosebleed, pinch gently the soft area below the bridge of the nose (older children can often do this themselves) for 10 minutes. Continue this procedure if possible.
Causes
Children often get nosebleeds from seemingly innocuous activities such as picking their nose, blowing too hard or being hit in the nose during play. While frequent nosebleeds could signal an underlying medical issue, such instances are unlikely.
Blood vessels located in the front of the nose are delicate and easily irritable, leading to nosebleeds that begin at one or more of these small blood vessels. Bleeds may spread down the interior of the nose – which is especially true among children who have long, thick noses or are suffering from chronic allergies.
Dr. Basu recommends that children experiencing frequent nosebleeds be evaluated by a pediatrician. He or she will perform an in-depth medical history review and examine your child’s nose with an instrument called a nasal speculum.
If your child is prone to nosebleeds, be sure to keep her nails short to reduce injuries from nose-picking, and avoid blowing her nose too hard. Keep her sinuses moist by using saline spray or gel or dabbing petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment gently around each nostril opening – this may prevent dry membranes. A cool mist humidifier in their room during bedtime could also provide some assistance.
Prevention
Nosebleeds can affect people of all ages, though they’re most frequently seen among children aged 3-13 years. Common triggers for them include dry air, nose picking and nasal allergies – though rough play or being hit in the nose may also bring them on. They usually don’t pose serious health concerns but can be annoying and frightening for kids.
If your child experiences a nosebleed, sit them up and lean them forward slightly while pinching their nostrils shut on the soft cartilage area under their bridge and applying steady pressure for at least five minutes. Have them breathe through their mouth instead of talking or laughing as these activities can increase blood flow. Also avoid checking whether the bleeding has stopped because this could release pressure causing another nosebleed to start up again.
Prevent nosebleeds by keeping your child’s nose moist using saline drops or spray. A humidifier in their bedroom is also helpful. Speak with their healthcare provider regarding medications that could increase the likelihood of nosebleeds; some medicines could make nosebleeds more likely. Finally, discourage rubbing, picking or blowing too hard as this could break blood vessels which cause them to break open resulting in hemorrhages.
Treatment
Children tend to experience nosebleeds due to irritation of delicate blood vessels in front of the nose, and such episodes can often be easily managed and don’t necessitate medical assistance.
When your child experiences a nosebleed, encourage them to sit up in an easy and comfortable position and lean slightly forward (see image). Reassure them it is normal and lots of other children get nosebleeds; lying down or tilting back could result in swallowing blood which could lead to stomach upset and further increase bleeding.
Place a small amount of petroleum jelly ointment (Vaseline or Aquaphor, for example) inside each nostril to keep the nose’s lining moist and reduce irritation. Saline nasal spray should also be used daily if needed to soothe discomfort and alleviate symptoms.
An ordinary nosebleed should stop within 10 minutes with gentle pressure from an adult or your child, but if this fails to do the trick, continue applying gentle pressure over 5 to 10 minutes to the source of bleeding until bleeding has stopped. Do not release pressure after checking if bleeding has stopped; doing so could interfere with blood clotting processes and prolong nosebleeding; should bleeding continue after this point seek medical advice immediately.
Follow-Up
Nosebleeds occur when blood vessels in the nasal cavity rupture, leaking fluid into it. While most nosebleeds don’t pose serious medical concerns and can often be treated at home, recurrent nosebleeds should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider; any time that blood continues to leak out regularly it could indicate more serious medical conditions and should be reported to them immediately. Speak to your pediatrician if your child experiences frequent nosebleeds as this could indicate more serious medical conditions requiring medical intervention.
Nosebleeds can be terrifying for both children and parents, yet are typically harmless. Most commonly they’re caused by dry air or nose picking; more likely in kids who have allergies, frequently rub their noses or get hit in the nose while playing. Sometimes though, nosebleeds can signal higher blood pressure or bleeding disorders that need further investigation.
When your child experiences a nosebleed, sit them up and tilt their head slightly forward (not backward). This prevents swallowing blood that could make them sick, as well as gently blow their nose to clear out any blood in their throat. Next, pinch soft parts of their noses together (the front part between thumb and index finger). Squeeze for 10 minutes without looking at where blood is still flowing to help blood clot off quickly thereby ending their nosebleeds.
