Support Services Handout Series
Number 1002 Student Health Information Sheet
Care of Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are most common in children from 4-l0 years, mostly in boys. Children with colds or nasal allergies have more nosebleeds, not only because the lining of the nose is more irritated, but because they pick more and blow harder. Since more colds occur in winter, more nosebleeds occur then. However, vigorous exercise in hot weather can also bring on nosebleeds in children without colds. Repeated nosebleeds in the same child are common.

The child should be in a sitting position with the upper body tilted forward so the blood does not run back down the throat to be swallowed. For comfort, the forehead can rest against the wall. Excess blood irritates the stomach and causes vomiting. Some children have nosebleeds while asleep and the first the parent knows about it is when the child vomits blood on awakening. Since most nosebleeds are due to tiny ruptured blood vessels near the tip of the nose on the inner wall (the nasal septum), the best treatment is firm pressure pinching the end of the nose shut. Usually it takes 5 minutes to stop all bleeding (time it by the clock). Sometimes as long as l5 minutes is necessary. If you can determine that the blood is coming from one side only, you only need pressure against that side. Using a cold pack on the back of the neck or bridge of the nose will do no harm, but be sure to continue pinching the nose shut at the same time. After the bleeding stops, the child should rest for l5-20 minutes, and although he or she may return to class, recess and/or P.E. should be curtailed for the day. Very few children with nosebleeds need to be referred to the doctor. However, there are three main reasons for referral:

1. If there is bleeding from other parts of the body--blood spots under the skin, blood in the urine, etc.
2. If the bleeding occurs almost daily.
3. If the bleeding won't stop.

Developed by: Jan Kemper and Brenda Thaxton

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