Helping Your Child Cope with Nosebleeds

Last updated 9 months ago

Nosebleeds are a common occurrence in children, particularly for ones that suffer from allergies or have a cold. While you can help prevent nosebleeds by humidifying your home’s air and encouraging your child not to pick his or her nose, they may still occasionally happen. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to deal with most nosebleeds.

1. Stay Calm

As long as the nosebleed was not caused by trauma to the face, there is likely little cause for worry. Remaining calm and confident about the situation will reassure your child and keep him or her from becoming upset, which may cause the nose to bleed more heavily.

2. Keep Your Child’s Head Tilted Forward

Leaning the head back or lying down could cause blood to flow into the throat, which is unpleasant and may lead to coughing or vomiting. Have your child stand or sit upright, with his or her head leaning slightly forward.

3. Pinch the Nose with a Tissue or Cloth

Using a few tissues or a handkerchief to catch the blood, help your child pinch his or her nostrils shut. Firm pressure should be used on the soft part of the nose, rather than the bony upper part.

4. Set a Timer for Ten Minutes

Although it may be tempting to keep checking whether the bleeding has stopped, make sure your child knows to keep steady pressure on the nose for a full ten minutes. It may be helpful to set a kitchen timer or note the time on a clock so your child knows when to check. If there is still active bleeding, repeat the process for another ten minutes. After that time, if the bleeding has not stopped, consult a physician.

For more tips on dealing with nosebleeds and other childhood conditions, call Sunrise Children’s Hospital at (702) 233-5437. Our nurses are available around the clock to help address any health concerns you may have.