Nosebleeds, caused by burst veins in the lining of the nose, are common throughout childhood and rarely a serious concern. They result from dried-out nasal passages, excessive or rough nose picking, nose injuries, colds and allergies, irritation, objects inserted into the nose and other triggers. Some children are more susceptible than others, mostly depending on the proximity of nasal veins to the surface of the inner nose. In most instances, childhood nosebleeds are readily treatable at home.
Step 1
Remain calm and speak reassuringly to your child, as nosebleeds can be scary for kids.
Step 2
Pinch the soft, lower part of your child's nose closed between your thumb and index finger. Hold a washcloth, paper towels or handkerchief to absorb the blood.
Step 3
Keep your child standing or seated. Have him lean his head slightly forward to prevent him from swallowing blood, which can trigger nausea and vomiting.
Step 4
Hold the nose closed for 10 minutes. Do not release pressure to check whether the bleeding stopped during this time, as it slows clotting and increases the chances of a quick recurrence. Tell your child to keep his mouth open and to breathe through it during compression. Have the child hold his nose closed if he's old enough.
Step 5
After 10 minutes have passed, stop holding the nose closed and check to see if the bleeding has stopped. If it has not, hold the nose closed for another 10 minutes, as outlined above. If the bleeding still has not stopped, call your child's doctor.
Step 6
Discourage running around or other wild play and nose picking following the nosebleed to avoid recurrence.
Tips and Warnings
- Apply an ice pack or other cold compress to the bridge of the nose to help stop bleeding faster. Keep your child calm and distracted during treatment by watching television or reading a book. Prevent nosebleeds in many children who are susceptible by teaching them not to pick their nose, running a humidifier in their room overnight, applying daily saline drops in the nose or dabbing a small amount of petroleum jelly inside the nostril before bed. Talk to your pediatrician about preventative measures and treatment options if your child has frequent or severe nosebleeds.
- Seek medical attention for your child if you're unable to stop the bleeding in 20 minutes, if his nose may be broken or have a foreign object inside, if he is bleeding from other orifices, if he appears to have lost a lot of blood or if he's exhibiting symptoms of serious illness or injury. Do not have your child lean back or lie down. This causes him to swallow blood and it increases blood pressure to the head, making bleeding more difficult to stop.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth or other absorbent material
