Nosebleeds

A nosebleed happens when one of the blood vessels in the lining of the nose bursts. Nosebleeds may be caused by infection, injury, allergic reaction, nose picking or an object being pushed into the nostril.

Another name for nosebleed is epistaxis

Bleeding from the nose is common in children and is usually not serious. Seek medical attention if nosebleeds are severe, frequent or prolonged. The small blood vessels in the septum (the firm tissue between the nostrils, which divides the nose into two halves) are fragile and can burst fairly easily, causing a nose bleed.

In children, the nose tends to bleed from only one side (unilateral).

Children usually grow out of the condition

If the bleeding is very heavy, prolonged or does not stop with first aid measures, take your child to a doctor or a hospital emergency department.

The signs and symptoms of a nosebleed include: the urge to swallow frequently

A nosebleed can be caused by a range of factors, including: occasionally, a bleeding or clotting problem.

To manage a nosebleed include:

• Reassure the person especially children as crying increases blood flow. Sit the person up straight
• drop their head slightly forward. Apply finger
• thumb pressure on the soft part of nostrils below the bridge of the nose for at least 10 minutes

Encourage the person to breathe through their mouth while their nostrils are pinched.

Loosen tight clothing around the neck

Place a cold cloth or cold pack over the person’s forehead and one around the neck, especially around the sides of the neck.

After 10 minutes, release the pressure on the nostrils and check to see if the bleeding has stopped. If bleeding persist, seek medical aid.

Tell the person not to sniff or blow their nose for at least 15 minutes and not to pick their nose for the rest of the day. (Having a nose full of clotted blood is unpleasant and children in particular may find it difficult to avoid sniffing or nose blowing for a few hours. Fifteen minutes will at least give some time for the clot to stabilise.) You should go to the doctor or a hospital emergency department if the bleeding does not stop after simple first aid management.

It is important to find and treat the cause of ongoing bleeding

If your child keeps having nosebleeds, see your doctor as the cause needs to be understood and treatment commenced.

For example, if the cause is an ongoing infection, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment or medicine.

Very occasionally, a child loses so much blood that this causes other health problems, such as anaemia. Bleeding from the nose is common in children and is usually not a sign of any underlying problem.

First aid treatment includes pinching the nostrils until the bleeding stops

If the nosebleed won’t stop, see a doctor or go to a hospital emergency department. Blood vessels in the nose are fragile Symptoms of nosebleeds bleeding from either or both nostrils a sensation of flowing liquid at the back of the throat Causes of nosebleeds fragile blood vessels that bleed easily, perhaps in warm dry air or after exercise an infection of the nose lining, sinuses or adenoids an allergy that causes hay fever or coughing bumps or falls an object that has been pushed up the nostril nose picking First aid management for nosebleeds Frequent nosebleeds Where to get help Your doctor NURSE-ON-CALL (616) 555-0400 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days) The nearest hospital emergency department Things to remember.

Key Points

• Bleeding from the nose is common in children and is usually not serious
• signs and symptoms of a nosebleed include: the urge to swallow frequently
• nosebleed can be caused by a range of factors, including: occasionally, a bleeding or clotting problem
• important to find and treat the cause of ongoing bleeding
• If your child keeps having nosebleeds, see your doctor as the cause needs to be understood and treatment commenced