Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Nosebleeds

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: October 2001
Last Revision Date: April 2002

Common Questions, Quick Answers

• What causes nosebleeds?
• Who can get nosebleeds?
• How are nosebleeds treated?
• How long does a nosebleed last?
• How can nosebleeds be prevented?
• When should I call the doctor?

What causes nosebleeds?

• Nosebleeds can happen if a cold or allergy irritates the inner nose.
• Touching and poking the inner nose can cause nosebleeds.
• Hard nose blowing can cause nosebleeds.
• Nosebleeds can start after the nose is hit or bumped.
• Nosebleeds are common in the winter when the air is dry.

Who can get nosebleeds?

• Nosebleeds are common in children.
• Children who have veins close to the skin in their nose will likely get more nosebleeds than other children.

How are nosebleeds treated?

• Sitting is best. Have the child lean forward with head down. If your child is hurt and needs to lies down, prop her head up on pillows.
• If your child has blood in her mouth, she should spit it out.
• Apply pressure to the nose by squeezing the nostrils together. Hold for 10 minutes. Don't peek to see if the bleeding has stopped. You'll need to start over if you do.
• If bleeding doesn't stop, press ice or a towel soaked in cold water on the ridge of the nose.
• Do not stick tissues, gauze, or other things into the nose.
• Have your child avoid rough activities where the nose could be bumped.
• Release a sneeze through the mouth instead of the nose. Blow the nose gently if needed.

How long does a nosebleed last?

• Bleeding should stop within 10-15 minutes.

How can nosebleeds be prevented?
Nosebleeds commonly happen for a few days in a row. It takes time for the nose to heal. For a few days after a nosebleed, do as follows:

• Use a cool mist vaporizer or humidifier at night to keep the air moist. Clean daily with bleach and water to kill germs (mix 1 part bleach to 10 parts water).
• Gently put a little petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) inside the nose with your fingertip to keep it moist.
• Discourage the child from picking her nose.
• Use Saline Nose Drops (such as Ocean Nasal Spray or Ayr) to keep the nose moist. You can buy these at the store without a prescription. Drops will keep blood from crusting.

When should I call the doctor?

• Call the doctor if bleeding lasts for longer than 15 minutes after pinching the nose without peeking.
• Call the doctor if your child has many nosebleeds.
• Call the doctor if your child has blood in her stool, urine, tears, ears, throat, or gums.
• Call the doctor if your child bruises easily or if blood from injuries is hard to stop.
• Call the doctor if your child has a flat, purplish-red rash on her skin.
• Call the doctor if your child looks sick or pale.
• Call the doctor if she is unusually tired or weak.
• Call the doctor if there is a large amount of blood.
• Call the doctor if your child has an object stuck in her nose.

Quick Answers

• Nosebleeds can start if the inner nose is dry or irritated or if the nose is bumped.
• Nosebleeds are common in children.
• Apply pressure to the nose by squeezing the nostrils together. Hold for 10 minutes.
• Bleeding should stop within 10-15 minutes.
• For the next few days, keep the inner nose moist. Use nose drops, a humidifier or vaporizer, or petroleum jelly.
• Call the doctor if bleeding lasts for longer than 15 minutes.

References

• The Children's Hospital, Boston. Nosebleeds in Children. 1993 January (cited 2001 September 5). Available from: URL: http://www.vh.org/Patients/IHB/Emergency/Peds/Nosebleeds.html
• Emergency Medicine. Nosebleeds. 1992-2001 (cited 2001 September 5). Available from: URL: http://www.vh.org/Patients/IHB/Emergency/Peds/Nosebleeds2.html
• Mayoclinic. Nosebleeds. 2001 July 1 (cited 2001 September 5). Available from: URL: http://www.mayoclinic.com/home?id=HQ00105

URL: http://www.virtualpediatrichospital.org/