Nosebleeds

Description

Nosebleeds are common in children ages 6 – 15, especially in dryer climates. In younger children they are frequently caused from inserting fingers or other foreign objects into the nasal passages. Children with seasonal allergies and sinusitis are more prone to nosebleeds.

Treatment

Nosebleeds can be treated in most cases at home with standard first aid. Contact your physician if your child’s nose bleed lasts longer than 30 minutes, if they’re feeling faint or light headed, or if the bleeding is caused by an accident or injury to a part of the body other than the nose; i.e. a blow to the head. Here are some tips for providing relief for your child:

• Don’t encourage the child to tilt their head backward – this causes blood to flow down their throat, which can cause nausea or discomfort.
• Sit upright and lean forward – this position relieves pressure from the capillaries in the nose, and prevents drainage into the throat.
• Pinch the soft part of the nose – this staunches the bleeding and allows for natural clotting to occur. Keep their nose pinched for at least 10 minutes to allow for clotting.
• Apply ice or a cold compress to the rigid portion of the nose – this causes capillaries to constrict, helping reduce blood flow.