How to Stop a Nosebleed in Kids
Nosebleeds in Kids: What Ontario Parents Need to Know
Your child's nose is bleeding and you're wondering if you're handling it right. The good news? Most childhood nosebleeds look scarier than they actually are and can be treated safely at home with a few simple steps.
What's going on?
Nosebleeds are incredibly common in kids, especially between ages 3 and 10. The inside of your child's nose has lots of tiny blood vessels close to the surface, and they're surprisingly fragile.
Dry air from heating in Ontario winters is often the culprit, making the delicate nose lining crack and bleed. But nosebleeds can also happen from nose picking (totally normal for kids), allergies, colds, or just bumping their nose during play.
Most nosebleeds come from the front part of the nose and stop on their own within 10 minutes. They're usually not a sign of anything serious.
What you might notice
- Blood coming from one or both nostrils
- Your child might swallow some blood and spit it up
- Blood on tissues, clothes, or pillows
- Your child feeling scared or upset by the bleeding
- Sometimes a stuffy feeling in their nose
- Occasional small blood clots
What helps at home
Stay calm (easier said than done, but your child will pick up on your energy). Have your child sit up straight and lean slightly forward. This prevents blood from running down their throat, which can cause nausea.
Pinch the soft part of their nose firmly with your thumb and finger, right below the bony bridge. Hold for 10 full minutes without peeking. Set a timer if you need to. Most parents don't hold long enough, which is why bleeding often restarts.
While you're holding, have your child breathe through their mouth. You can put a cold compress on the back of their neck or bridge of their nose, though this is optional.
After 10 minutes, release gently. If bleeding continues, repeat for another 10 minutes. Once it stops, avoid nose blowing or picking for the rest of the day.
When to worry
Head to the emergency room if the bleeding won't stop after 20 minutes of direct pressure, if your child is having trouble breathing, or if the bleeding started after a significant head or face injury.
You should also seek immediate care if your child seems very pale, dizzy, or if they're vomiting a lot of blood they've swallowed. Contact your family doctor or text Arlo if nosebleeds become frequent (several times a week), if both nostrils bleed heavily at once, or if you notice other concerning symptoms like easy bruising.
The takeaway
Nosebleeds are one of those parenting moments that test your nerves, but you've absolutely got the skills to handle them. Most stop quickly with the right technique.
You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!
References
- [Nosebleeds (Caring for Kids)](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/nosebleeds)
- [Nosebleeds: Care Instructions (AboutKidsHealth)](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=1966&language=english)
- [First Aid for Nosebleeds (Canadian Red Cross)](https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/emergencies-and-disasters-in-canada/for-home-and-family/first-aid-tips/nosebleeds)