Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are a common childhood event. Usually the cause is related to dryness of the lining of the nose, combined with picking and rubbing that is a typical childhood activity. Vigorous nose blowing may also cause bleeding.Home treatment
- Have child lean forward and spit the blood out
- Encourage the child to blow large clots out of his nose
- Squeeze the soft part (lower part) of the nose firmly
- Pinch this part tightly toward the center wall of the nose for a full 10 minutes. Have the child breathe through his mouth
- For continued bleeding: use vasoconstrictor nose drops and squeeze again
- Put vasoconstrictor nose drops (like Neo-Synephrine) on a piece of gauze and put it in the bleeding nostril (may also use petroleum jelly). Repeat 10 minutes of squeezing. Leave gauze in for another 10 minutes. (don’t be surprised if swallowed blood is vomited up)
Strategies for prevention
- Petroleum jelly: apply 2 times/day to center wall inside the nose (helps relieve dryness)
- Humidity: use a humidifier in child’s room at night
- Warm water: teach child to put 2-3 drops of warm water in each nostril before blowing a stuffy nose
- No aspirin: aspirin can increase bleeding tendency
- Nasal allergies: treatment with antihistamines may help
Call right away if
- Bleeding doesn’t stop after 20 minutes of squeezing (as above)
- Child feels lightheaded or dizzy when he/she stands up
Call the office (during regular hours) if
- Daily nosebleeds occur after using the prevention steps above
- Other questions or concerns
Credit: above “condensed/paraphrased” from Schmitt, Barton, Instructions for Pediatric Patients, 1992
