Nosebleeds in kids: what to do

In shortSit up, lean forward and pinch the soft part of the nose for 10 full minutes. Do not tilt the head back. See a doctor if it lasts over 20 minutes or keeps returning.

Few things alarm a parent like a sudden stream of blood from a child's nose. Take a breath. Nosebleeds are very common in children, and the vast majority are harmless and easy to stop at home. The trick is knowing exactly what to do, and what not to do. Here is the method I teach every parent in my ENT clinic in HSR Layout.

Why do kids get nosebleeds?

The front part of the septum, the wall inside the nose, has many delicate blood vessels close to the surface. They can break easily because of nose picking, dry air, colds and allergies, blowing the nose hard or minor knocks. Most nosebleeds come from this front area.

What to do: the 10-minute method

Common mistakes

After the bleed

• No nose picking or hard blowing for a few days
• Keep fingernails short
• A thin smear of petroleum jelly or saline gel inside the nostril, if your doctor advises, keeps the skin moist
• Treat allergies and colds, which keep the nose irritated

When to see a doctor

Come to us, or go to emergency, if the bleeding lasts more than 20 minutes despite proper pressure, follows a significant head injury, is heavy, or if your child also bruises easily, has other bleeding, or has repeated bleeds from the same side. We will look for a cause and, if needed, treat the bleeding point.

Dr. Rekha AR
Consultant ENT Specialist, MBBS, DLO. Sees patients Mon–Sat at CARE Speciality Clinic, HSR Layout.

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This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation.