A nosebleed in children can be a startling and alarming experience for parents. This common occurrence happens when small blood vessels in the nose break, causing blood to flow from the nostrils.

Although nosebleeds are typically harmless and not a cause for concern, their sudden and unexplained appearance can lead to anxiety and panic.

Guide to Handling Nosebleeds in Children

Parents need not panic when their child experiences a nosebleed. Here are the appropriate first aid steps to follow if your child has a nosebleed:

Stay calm and composed

The first step in managing a child’s nosebleed is to stay calm. Most nosebleeds are not serious and can be controlled with simple home remedies like having the child lean forward, pinching the nostrils, and applying a cold compress to the nose wrapped in a cloth.

When parents handle the situation calmly, it helps the child feel less scared and more at ease.

Position the child upright

Next, have the child sit up straight instead of lying down. This helps prevent blood from flowing down the back of the throat. It’s also helpful to have the child lean forward slightly.

Lying down during a nosebleed can cause blood to flow into the throat, which could lead to choking or vomiting. Sitting up straight, however, reduces pressure on the nasal blood vessels and helps stop the bleeding faster.

Encourage mouth breathing

Once the child is sitting upright, encourage them to breathe through their mouth. This prevents swallowing blood, which can cause nausea and upset the stomach.

Apply gentle pressure to the nose

Use your thumb and index finger to gently pinch the child's nostrils together. Hold the pressure for 10 to 15 minutes to give the blood vessels time to clot.

During this time, ensure the child continues to breathe through their mouth. After 15 minutes, release the pressure to check if the bleeding has stopped. If the bleeding persists, repeat the process.

Use a cold compress

After applying gentle pressure, continue by placing a cold compress on the child's nose. A cold compress can help constrict blood vessels and slow the bleeding.

You can use cold water or ice cubes wrapped in a towel, applying the compress to the bridge of the child’s nose to help stop the bleeding more quickly.

Avoid picking the nose

Once the bleeding stops, remind your child not to pick their nose, as this can reopen the wound and trigger rebleeding.

Encourage your child to rest and avoid physical activities until the blood vessels have fully healed.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Nosebleeds in children may occur due to dry air, allergies, colds, or nose picking. Although most nosebleeds are not dangerous, you should consult a doctor if:

• The nosebleed lasts longer than 20 minutes and is difficult to stop
• Nosebleeds happen frequently without a known cause
• The child experiences heavy bleeding, dizziness, weakness, or paleness
• Nosebleeds are accompanied by bleeding in other areas of the body, such as the gums or stool

A doctor’s consultation is essential to determine the underlying cause and rule out any serious medical issues. You can also consult a healthcare professional through the Ai Care app, available for download on the App Store or Play Store.

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