A nosebleed, also known as epistaxis, is an occurrence when blood comes out from the nostrils. This is very common in children.
It usually happens because the lining in the nose of children is delicate and has many small blood vessels, which are close to the surface. They can burst easily with actions such as nose rubbing or nose picking. The bleeding is usually minimal and brief, stopping within 10 minutes.
Children with underlying conditions such as allergic rhinitis (“sensitive nose”) or a cold may also be more prone to nose bleeding.
First aid can help stop the bleeding faster.
What Can Parents Do at Home?
First aid can be performed at home when your child has a nosebleed.
Sit your child up and lean your child slightly forward.
Parents should squeeze the soft part of their child’s nose, so that both nostrils are pressed together for 10 minutes without releasing the pressure. During this time, your child should breathe through their mouth. For older children, they may do this pinching action themselves.
Release the pressure after 10 minutes to check if the bleeding has stopped. If bleeding persists, repeat step 2.
Offer your child an ice-cold drink to cool them down and get rid of the taste of blood in their mouth.
If the bleeding continues despite trying first aid for up to 20 minutes, please bring your child to the Emergency Department.
If the bleeding stops with first aid, please monitor your child to prevent repeat nose picking. Avoid removing any blood clots in the nostrils to prevent rebleeding.
Blood tests are usually not required immediately following minor bleeding.
When Should Parents Be Worried?
If the bleeding does not stop after 10 to 20 minutes of first aid, please bring your child to see a doctor, such as at the Children’s Emergency. At the Children’s Emergency, if the bleeding is difficult to stop and is severe, there will be other measures, including packing of the nose with gauze and specialist review.
If your child has frequent nosebleeds for several weeks, accompanied with bruising, gum bleeding, or looks pale, please take them to a doctor at the earliest opportunity.
Summary
Nosebleeds are common in childhood and can usually be managed at home with first aid. These usually improve with age, and no additional treatment is required. Some children with allergic rhinitis who have nose bleeds may benefit from treatment of allergic rhinitis, on the advice of the doctor or specialist. However, if it happens frequently over weeks, or if a single episode does not stop after 20 minutes of first aid immediately, please bring your child to seek medical attention.
