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- Asthma
- Bronchiolitis
- Chickenpox
- Colic
- Common Cold
- Constipation
- Cough
- Croup
- Diaper Rash
- Diarrhea
- Ear Infections
- Eye Infections
- Fever in Children
- Fifth Disease
- Fluoride
- Head Injuries
- Head Lice
- Immunizations
- Lead Poisonings
- Lyme Disease
- Nosebleeds
- Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac
- Poisonings
- Scabies
- Sensitive Skin or Eczema
- Sore Throat/Strep Throat
- Thrush
- Vomiting
Caring for Children: Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are very common throughout childhood. The most common causes of nosebleeds are:
Trauma: A child can get a nosebleed from picking the nose, putting something into it, blowing too hard, or if a child is hit in the nose or falls and hits the nose.
Colds and Allergies: A cold or allergy causes swelling and irritation inside the nose and may lead to spontaneous bleeding.
Low humidity: If the house is dry, especially in the winter, the lining of your child's nose may dry out, making it more likely to bleed.
When nosebleeds occur:
- Remain calm.
- Keep your child in a sitting position and have her lean forward so she does not swallow the blood. Give her a basin so that she can spit out any blood that drains into the throat.
- Pinch the lower half of your child's nose between your thumb and finger and hold it firmly for a full ten minutes. If your child is old enough, she can do this herself. Do not release the nose during this time to see if it is still bleeding. During this time, tell your child to breathe through her mouth. Release the pressure after 10 minutes and wait. If bleeding has not stopped, apply pressure again.
- Do not stuff gauze or tissue into you child's nose to stop the bleeding because when removed bleeding usually recurs.
- Do not be surprised if you child vomits up swallowed blood.
If your child has frequent nosebleeds, apply a small amount of Vaseline (petroleum jelly) twice a day inside each nostril. This helps relieve dryness and irritation. Use a humidifier in the winter.
Call the pediatrician if:
- Bleeding does not stop after 20 minutes of direct pressure.
- Nosebleeds continue to occur frequently after petroleum jelly and humidification are used.
- You suspect your child has allergies and would benefit from treatment.
- You have other concerns.
