Nosebleeds Treatment for Children in Atlanta, GA
A nosebleed (epistaxis) is bleeding from tissues inside the nose (nasal mucus membranes) caused by a broken blood vessel. Children usually experience nosebleeds in the front of the nose, close to the nostrils.
Nosebleeds are common in children and usually not a medical concern.
What causes a nosebleed in a child?
Common causes of a nosebleed in children include:
- Dry air
- Picking the nose
- Blowing the nose too hard
- Injury to the nose
- Colds and allergies
- A foreign object in the nose
Chronic nosebleeds may be a sign of something more serious.
How is a nosebleed diagnosed in a child?
Your Pediatric Provider will gather medical history and ask about recent accidents, injuries, and activities. The provider will examine the nosebleed and control the bleeding if necessary.
How to stop a nosebleed for a child?
- Keep calm. Bloody noses can be scary, but they are rarely dangerous.
- Lean forward. If there is blood in their mouth, spit it out; do not swallow it.
- Stay upright. Do not tilt your child’s head back or lay them flat. This may cause you to choke on blood. Blood in the stomach can cause vomiting.
- Try a spray. Apply three sprays of decongestant nose spray, such as Afrin, on the side that is bleeding.
- Skip foreign objects. Apply a cold compress to the bridge of the nose. Do not pack the nose with tissues, cotton, or gauze. This can make the bleeding worse.
- Use a pinch. Pinch the soft part of their nose shut for 10 minutes. Tell your child to breathe out of their mouth. Use a clock to keep track of time. Resist the urge to peek after a few minutes to see if their nose has stopped bleeding.
- Observe and react. After 10 minutes, let go of their nose. If it is still bleeding, soak a cotton ball with the nose spray. Place the cotton ball into the bleeding nostril and pinch for 10 minutes. Use a clock to time it.
- Check their blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause nosebleeds.
- Take it easy. Once bleeding has stopped, do not let them blow their nose for two days.
- Avoid exertion. It can take up to two weeks to heal.
If your child’s nose doesn’t stop bleeding, take them to see the healthcare provider.
When should I call my child’s Pediatric Provider?
Call the healthcare provider if:
- You can’t stop the nosebleed
- The nose bleeds again
- Your child has an injury to the head or face
- There is a large amount of blood
- Your child feels faint, weak, ill, or has trouble breathing
- Your child has bleeding from other parts of the body, such as in the stool, urine, or gums, or bruises easily
- An object lodged in your child’s nose
At Pediatric Ear Nose and Throat of Atlanta, P.C., we specialize in a wide range of pediatric ENT services to ensure the health and well-being of your child. Our expert team provides treatment for conditions such as pediatric sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and more, including advanced procedures like pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery. We also offer care for common concerns, such as foreign bodies in children’s noses. Contact us today!
