Nosebleeds are quite common, especially in children ages 3 to 10. A bloody nose may be frightening, but it generally looks far more serious than it really is. Colds or minor irritations are to blame for the majority of nosebleeds, explains Medline Plus, a website published by the National Institutes of Health. Kids who pick, injure or get an object stuck in their noses may also get a nosebleed. Simple home remedies can usually stop nosebleeds.
Types
An anterior nosebleed develops in the front of the nose and is the most common type of nosebleed in kids. Bleeding occurs when tiny blood vessel in the nose break. Dry air is primary cause of anterior nosebleeds. Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air can prevent the nose from drying out, explains HealthyChildren.org, a website published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. A posterior nosebleed comes from the inner part of the nose and is rare in kids.
Treatment
Placing pressure on the nose can help stop a bloody nose in children. While your child is sitting, gently squeeze the soft section of the nose with your fingers. Maintain pressure for 10 minutes with the nostrils closed. Your child should lean forward and breath through the mouth to keep from swallowing or gagging on blood. Lying down with a nosebleed is not advised.
Beyond Pressure
Adding over-the-counter decongestant nose drops to wet gauze or a soaked cotton ball can help contract blood vessels if pressure alone isn't working to stop a bloody nose in children. Cotton or gauze should be placed in the nostril but not packed the inside of the nose. Petroleum jelly should be applied to gauze instead of decongestant drops in babies younger than 1. Applying ice or a cold compress over the nose may also help stop bleeding.
Considerations
Nearly 100 percent of nosebleeds will stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure, assuming you hit the right spot, notes HealthyChildren.org. Seek emergency care if your child's nose is still bleeding after 20 minutes. Once bleeding has stopped, remind your child not to pick, rub or blow her nose for several hours. Saline nasal spray can maintain moisture in the nose and help guard against future nosebleeds. Contact your doctor if your child has a bloody nose more than once a week that doesn't appear to be connected with a minor irritation or cold.
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