Nosebleed in Children

A nosebleed is when blood comes out of the nose. Nosebleeds are common. Usually, they are not a sign of a serious condition. Children may get a nosebleed every once in a while or many times a month.

Nosebleeds can happen if a small blood vessel in the nose starts to bleed or if the lining of the nose (mucous membrane) cracks. Common causes of nosebleeds in children include:

• Allergies.
• Colds.
• Nose picking.
• Blowing too hard.
• Sticking an object into the nose.
• Getting hit in the nose.
• Dry air.

Less common causes of nosebleeds include:

• Toxic fumes.
• Certain health conditions that affect:
  • The shape or tissues of the nose.
  • The air-filled spaces in the bones of the face (sinuses).
• Growths in the nose, such as polyps.
• Medicines or health conditions that make the blood thin.
• Certain illnesses or procedures that irritate or dry out the nasal passages.

Follow these instructions at home:

When your child has a nosebleed:

• Help your child stay calm.
• Have your child sit in a chair and tilt his or her head slightly forward.
• Have your child pinch his or her nostrils under the bony part of the nose with a clean towel or tissue. If your child is very young, pinch your child’s nose for him or her. Remind your child to breathe through his or her open mouth, not his or her nose.
• After 10 minutes, let go of your child’s nose and see if bleeding starts again. Do not release pressure before that time. If there is still bleeding, repeat the pinching and holding for 10 minutes, or until the bleeding stops.
• Do not place tissues or gauze in the nose to stop bleeding.
• Do not let your child lie down or tilt his or her head backward. This may cause blood to collect in the throat and cause gagging or coughing.

After a nosebleed:

• Remind your child not to play roughly or to blow, pick, or rub his or her nose right after a nosebleed.
• Use saline spray or a humidifier as told by your child’s health care provider.

Contact a health care provider if your child:

• Gets nosebleeds often.
• Bruises easily.
• Has a nosebleed from something stuck in his or her nose.
• Has bleeding in his or her mouth.
• Vomits or coughs up brown material.
• Has a nosebleed after starting a new medicine.

Get help right away if your child has a nosebleed:

• After a fall or head injury.
• That does not go away after 20 minutes.
• And feels dizzy or weak.
• And is pale, sweaty, or unresponsive.

Summary

• Nosebleeds are common in children and are usually not a sign of a serious condition. Children may get a nosebleed every once in a while or many times a month.
• If your child has a nosebleed, have your child pinch his or her nostrils under the bony part of the nose with a clean towel or tissue for 10 minutes, or until the bleeding stops.
• Remind your child not to play roughly or to blow, pick, or rub his or her nose right after a nosebleed.