Parents you should be aware of different types of nose bleeds
Nosebleeds are common in children and often result from harmless activities such as your child picking their nose, blowing it too hard or getting knocked during play
Other causes
- Infections in the nose, throat and sinuses. Common colds and flu. • Allergies, such as dust mite allergy or hay fever. • Blowing the nose too often. • Child pushing something up their nose, such as a small bead. • Excessive straining, which can happen with constipation
What to do when your child has Nose bleed
- Sit your child upright in a comfortable position, slightly leaning forward . • Squeeze the lower, soft part of the nose with your fingers, a tissue or a cloth (your child can do this if they are older) for ten minutes. • Apply an ‘icepack’ or a cool, wet cloth to the bridge (top) of your child’s nose. • Offer your child an ‘icypope’ or cold drink to cool them down and get rid of the taste of blood. Encourage your child to spit out any blood they have in their mouth and not to swallow it. Do not keep checking whether the bleeding has stopped by removing your fingers.
The blood needs to clot and this takes time. Reading a book or watching television is a good distraction for your child and will keep them from getting bored and restless. Have a clock handy so you can be sure ten minutes has gone by. Release the nose and check if the bleeding has stopped (if the nosebleed continues repeat the process for another ten minutes). Once the bleeding has stopped, make sure your child does not pick or blow their nose for 24 hours. Your child should not run around or play ‘rough’ for two hours after the nosebleed, to prevent it from bleeding again. Your child may vomit
If bleeding persists take your child to the Doctor
