Nose Bleeds (Children)

Nose Bleed, also known as epistaxis, is the bleeding from the nose which is a very common occurrence in children.

Nose Bleeds are usually caused by dryness of the nasal lining, together with rubbing and picking of the nose that is blocked or itchy. Blowing the nose vigorously can also cause bleeding. All these actions are increased in children with nasal allergies.

You can follow these steps to help your child to stop his or her Nose Bleed at home:

Lean forward and spit out any blood

Sit your child upright in a comfortable position and lean forward so that he or she does not swallow the blood. Prepare a basin for your child to spit out any blood that has dripped from the nose into his or her mouth. Swallowed blood irritates the stomach and may cause your child to vomit it out. Do not be alarmed if it happens.

Pinch the soft part of the nose

Tightly pinch the soft part of the nose, just above the nostrils, for 10 minutes. The nostrils should be closed firmly. Do not release the pressure to check for bleeding until the 10 minutes is up. During this time, your child will have to breathe through his or her mouth.

If bleeding continues, see a doctor

If the bleeding persists, please see your doctor. Continue applying pressure to the soft part of the nose in the meantime.

What should I take note of?

• Applying a cold washcloth to the forehead, back of the neck, bridge of the nose or under the upper lip does not help to stop a nosebleed.
• Pressing on the bony part of the nose does not stop a nosebleed.
• Avoid packing your child's nose with anything as bleeding usually recurs when the packing is removed.
• Once the bleeding has stopped, avoid picking at the nose or blowing out the blood clots as this may cause the bleeding to happen again.
• Tell your child to blow his or her nose gently if needed.

How can Nose Bleeds be prevented?

• Applying a small amount of petroleum jelly twice a day to the centre wall (septum) inside the nose is often helpful for relieving dryness and irritation.
• It may be beneficial to use a humidifier in the bedroom at night to moisten the air.
• Put two to three drops of warm water into each nostril before blowing a stuffy nose. You may also use a saltwater nasal spray.
• Avoid aspirin. Aspirin can increase the tendency of the body to bleed easily for up to a week and can make nosebleeds last much longer.
• If your child has nasal allergies, taking antihistamines may help to break the itching-bleeding cycle.

When should I bring my child to the Children's Emergency?

Please bring your child to the Children's Emergency immediately if the bleeding does not stop after 20 minutes of direct pressure.