What are nosebleeds?

Nosebleeds are common throughout childhood and usually happen when a child rubs or picks her nose.

Nosebleeds particularly are common when the lining inside a child’s  nose is dry and irritated, often as a result of allergies or trauma.

What are the symptoms of nosebleeds?

Blood dripping from the nose

Vomiting of swallowed blood

Home care

Have your child spit out any blood. Swallowed blood is very irritating to the stomach and may cause vomiting.

Clear your child’s nose by gently blowing it, and squeeze the soft part of the nose for 10 minutes, measured by the clock.

Holding the hard part of the nose will not help.

Prevention

Encourage your child not to pick her nose. Distract her from picking if necessary.

Apply a small amount of Vaseline® twice a day to the middle wall just inside the nose with a cotton swab.

Try a salt water nasal spray (Ocean® mist) or warm water drops to keep the nasal lining moist.

Try a cool-mist humidifier in your child’s room. Do not use a warm  water humidifier as your child may be burned if the water is spilled.

Put 2-3 drops of warm water in each nostril before blowing a stuffy nose.

Do not give your child aspirin or ibuprofen because it can cause heavier bleeding.

Warning signs – Call our office for advice if:

Your child’s nosebleed does not stop after 20 minutes of direct pressure, Call Our Office Now.

Your child faints or feels dizzy when standing up, Call Our Office Now.

Your child has nosebleeds daily despite preventive measures, Call Our Office Now.

Your child has easy bruising that is new along with the nosebleeds, Call Our Office Now.

You have any questions or concerns, or if you have any doubts about the severity of your child’s symptoms, Call Our Office Now.