Nosebleed

In general

Nosebleeds are very common in children.

The most common cause is a child picking his/her nose, especially when he/she has a cold and nasal congestion.

During a cold, the mucous membrane lining inside the nose is swollen and tender, and blood vessels can break easily and start to bleed. The bleeding most often comes from a little blood vessel on the septum, the wall between the nostrils, at the very front of the nose.

Dry winter air and nasal allergies also make the nose more likely to bleed.

Although it may look like a lot of blood, almost all nosebleeds will stop on their own within 5 minutes, and it is seldom necessary to seek medical advice.

Home treatment

• Have the child sit up quietly with the head bent slightly forward. Let the blood run out of the child's nose and down into a tissue or container. 

• Ask the child to spit any blood out of his/her mouth. Do not let the child swallow the blood because it can irritate the stomach and cause vomiting.

• Using your thumb and index finger, pinch the soft part of the child's nose just below the nasal bone. Older children may be able to do this for themselves. Hold this grip for at least 5 minutes without letting go. The child will have to breathe through his/her mouth. 

When to seek medical advice

See the doctor immediately or call 911 if:

• The child continues to bleed after 2 attempts to stop the bleeding. 
• The child has been bleeding for more than 15 minutes. 
• The child is dizzy, pale and he doesn't look right to you. 
• The nosebleed occurs after a head injury or a fall.

Make an appointment with your doctor if:

• Your child has frequent nosebleeds. 
• The child bruises easily and bleeds a lot from minor wounds. 
• The child has a nose bleed just after starting to take a new medicine, because some medicines can cause an increased likelihood of bleeding. 
• You have a suspicion of a foreign body in the nose.