Nosebleeds In Children : What Should We Do?

     Nosebleeds or epistaxis are common in children and can result from vigorous nose picking, scratching, or rubbing. These actions may cause the delicate blood vessels in the nasal lining to rupture, leading to bleeding. This is more frequent during the winter months or in dry weather.

Other Causes of Nosebleeds

• Trauma or injury to the face or head
• Forceful nose blowing
• Presence of foreign objects in the nasal cavity
• Underlying medical conditions, such as allergic rhinitis
• Upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold or sinusitis
• Exposure to allergens or irritants such as dust mites, pollen, or cigarette smoke
• Lesions inside the nasal cavity, such as nasal polyps, vascular tumors, or dilated capillaries

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

While nosebleeds are generally not serious, they may be a symptom of an underlying condition that requires timely medical treatment. Parents should be aware of the warning signs indicating when medical attention is necessary:

• Bleeding lasts for more than 30 minutes.
• Presence of skin bruising, purpura, or red/purple spots on the skin
• Accompanied by bleeding from the gums or tongue
• Presence of blood in the urine (pinkish or tea-colored) or in black, tarry stools
• Accompanied by a high fever
• The child experiences dizziness, fatigue, paleness, weakness, or decreased alertness.

Initial First Aid Measures for a Nosebleed

1.  Gently Pinch the Nose

     Lightly pinch the child’s nostrils together against the nasal septum for at least 5 minutes while encouraging them to breathe through their mouth.

2.  Tilt the Head Slightly Forward

     Have the child sit up and lean slightly forward to allow the blood to drain out of the nose instead of down the throat. If blood goes down the throat, encourage spitting it into a container to assess blood loss and prevent nausea or vomiting.

3.  Rest and Apply a Cold Compress

     Once the bleeding stops, the child should lie down with the head elevated on a pillow. Apply a cold compress over the nose to help constrict blood vessels and prevent recurrence.

4.  Avoid Irritation After Bleeding Stops

     Avoid forceful nose blowing, nose picking, or vigorous physical activity for at least 24 to 48 hours after the bleeding has stopped.

If the bleeding persists for more than 30 minutes, seek immediate medical attention from a pediatrician.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Nosebleeds

• Prevent nasal dryness, which may lead to itching and nose picking, by using saline drops, nasal sprays, or applying petroleum jelly to the nasal septum area.
• Avoid known allergens and have the child wear a protective face mask in high-risk environments.
• Maintain optimal humidity in the child’s bedroom using a humidifier to prevent dry air.

Although nosebleeds are common in children, they are usually not severe. Most will stop within 5–10 minutes after properly pinching the nose. Nevertheless, parents should closely monitor their child. If the bleeding is heavy or recurrent, medical evaluation is advised.