Epistaxis (nosebleeds)

NOSEBLEEDING


What Causes a Nosebleed?

When the membranes lining the inside of the nose dry out and become irritated, the blood vessels break, causing a nosebleed. These are more common in the winter months, when the air is cold and dry. Other factors that may contribute to nosebleeds include:


  • Colds

  • Allergies

  • Sinus infections

  • Nose picking

  • Blowing the nose too hard

  • Frequent sneezing

  • Overuse of nasal sprays

  • Foreign objects in the nose

  • Trauma to the nose


What to Do

  1. Have your child sit up with his or her head tilted slightly forward.

  2. Do not have your child lean back — this may cause gagging, coughing, or vomiting.

  3. Pinch the soft part of the nose at the bottom of the nostrils for at least 10 minutes. You can apply cold pack on the nape.

  4. After the bleeding stops, DO NOT bend over, strain and/or lift anything heavy. DO NOT blow or rub your nose.


Get Medical Care if Your Child:

  • has nosebleeds often

  • may have put something in the nose

  • bruises easily or has heavy bleeding from minor wounds

  • recently started a new medicine


Get Emergency Medical Care if Bleeding:

  • is heavy

  • happens along with dizziness or paleness

  • continues after two or three times of applying pressure for 10 minutes each

  • is the result of a blow to the head or a fall


Think Prevention!

You can use a humidifier in your child's bedroom.

Discourage nose picking and keep kids' fingernails short.




REFERENCES:

https://calhns.com/when-should-you-worry-about-a-nosebleed/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/13464-nosebleed-epistaxis

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nosebleeds-sheet.html