Need to know more about ear infections in kids? We have you covered!
What is a Nosebleed?
A nosebleed occurs when a blood vessel inside of the nasal membranes bursts. This causes blood to drip or run out of the nostrils. The severity of a nosebleed depends on what caused it, how long it lasts, and how much blood is escaping from the nose.
What Causes Nosebleeds in Kids?
There are many different causes of nosebleeds in kids, and they can vary from environmental factors to injuries. Some of the common causes of nosebleeds include:
How to Stop a Nosebleed?
If your child is experiencing a nosebleed, you should act quickly to stop it. Try these steps:
- Ensure the child is sitting up and make them lean forward.
- Instruct them to take deep breaths through their mouth.
- Have them pinch the soft part of the nose for at least 10 minutes. They may stop after 10 minutes, but make sure they do not release pressure until at least that amount of time has passed.
- Once bleeding has ceased, apply a cold compress to the bridge of their nose.
If your child is experiencing frequent nosebleeds that are difficult to stop, take them to a provider. KidsStreet Urgent Care can treat nosebleeds in our urgent care services for kids.
How Can I Prevent Nosebleeds?
While not always preventable, there are a few steps you and your child can take to reduce their risks of getting a nosebleed. Best practices to prevent nosebleeds include:
- Use medicated nasal sprays to keep the inside of the nose moist.
- Put a humidifier in their room while they sleep at night.
- Teach them to not pick their nose or blow their nose too hard.
- Apply vaseline inside their nostrils, especially during winter months.
- Do not smoke around your child or in the house.
Additionally, if your child experiences nosebleeds frequently and you do not know the cause, consider keeping a log of their nosebleeds. This can include where they were when it happened, what they were doing when it started, and the time of day. This may help you narrow down the cause.
When Is a Nosebleed Dangerous?
While most nosebleeds are not dangerous, there are instances where they can be. Seek medical attention if:
- The child’s nosebleed will not stop.
- They have sustained a head or facial injury.
- A foreign object is in the nose.
- Other parts of the child’s body are bleeding (i.e.: gums, in the urine/stool, etc.).
- There is an unusually large amount of blood.
- They are feeling sick, lightheaded, or faint.
Turn to KidsStreet Urgent Care
Concerned about your child’s nosebleeds? KidsStreet can help!
To visit our kid-focused clinic, register online. You and your child will be able to wait from your vehicle or home until we are ready to see you. We’ll send you a text when it’s time to head to the clinic.
Didn’t have time to register? No worries! KidsStreet takes walk-ins. Please be aware that walk-ins are added to the same queue as those who register online, so walk-in patients may experience longer in-clinic wait times.