Nosebleed

Is this your child's symptom?

• Bleeding from 1 or both nostrils
• Not caused by an injury

If NOT, try one of these:

• Nose Injury

Causes of Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are common because of the rich blood supply of the nose. Common causes include:

• Spontaneous Nosebleed. Most nosebleeds start up without a known cause.
• Rubbing. Rubbing or picking the nose is the most common known cause. It's hard to not touch or rub the nose.
• Blowing. Blowing the nose too hard can cause a nose bleed.
• Suctioning. Suctioning the nose can sometimes cause bleeding. This can happen if the suction tip is put in too far.
• Sinus Infections. The main symptoms are lots of dry snot and a blocked nose. This leads to extra nose blowing and picking. The sinus infection is more often viral than bacterial.
• Nose Allergies. The main symptom is a very itchy nose. This leads to extra rubbing and blowing.
• Dry Air. Dryness of the nasal lining makes it more likely to bleed. In the winter, forced air heating often can dry out the nose.
• Allergy Medicines. These help the nasal symptoms, but also dry out the nose.
• Ibuprofen and Aspirin. These medicines increase the bleeding tendency. Aspirin is not used in children.
• Bleeding Disorder (Serious). This means the blood platelets or clotting factors are missing or not working right. A bleeding disorder should be suspected if the nosebleed can't be stopped. Excessive bleeding from the gums or with minor cuts is also a clue. Bleeding disorders are a rare cause of frequent nosebleeds.

When to Call for Nosebleed

Care Advice for Nosebleed

• What You Should Know About Nosebleeds:
  • Nosebleeds are common.
  • You should be able to stop the bleeding if you use the correct technique.
  • Here is some care advice that should help.
• Squeeze the Lower Nose:
  • Gently squeeze the soft parts of the lower nose together. Gently press them against the center wall for 10 minutes. This puts constant pressure on the bleeding point.
  • Use the thumb and index finger in a pinching manner.
  • If the bleeding continues, move your point of pressure.
  • Have your child sit up and breathe through the mouth during this procedure.
  • If rebleeds, use the same technique again.
• Put Gauze into the Nose:
  • If pressure alone fails, use a piece of gauze. Wet it with a few drops of water. Another option is to put a little petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) on it.
  • Insert the wet gauze into the side that is bleeding. Press again for 10 minutes. Reason it works: the gauze puts more pressure on the bleeding spot.