Nosebleed

Causes of Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are common because of the rich blood supply of the nose. Common causes include:

• Spontaneous Nosebleed. Most nosebleeds start up without a known cause.
• Rubbing. Rubbing or picking the nose is the most common known cause. It's hard to not touch or rub the nose.
• Blowing. Blowing the nose too hard can cause a nose bleed.
• Suctioning. Suctioning the nose can sometimes cause bleeding. This can happen if the suction tip is put in too far.
• Sinus Infections. The main symptoms are lots of dry snot and a blocked nose. This leads to extra nose blowing and picking. The sinus infection is more often viral than bacterial.
• Nose Allergies. The main symptom is a very itchy nose. This leads to extra rubbing and blowing.
• Dry Air. Dryness of the nasal lining makes it more likely to bleed. In the winter, forced air heating often can dry out the nose.
• Allergy Medicines. These help the nasal symptoms, but also dry out the nose.
• Ibuprofen and Aspirin. These medicines increase the bleeding tendency. Aspirin is not used in children.
• Bleeding Disorder (Serious). This means the blood platelets or clotting factors are missing or not working right. A bleeding disorder should be suspected if the nosebleed can't be stopped. Excessive bleeding from the gums or with minor cuts is also a clue. Bleeding disorders are a rare cause of frequent nosebleeds.

1. What You Should Know About Nosebleeds:
   • Nosebleeds are common.
   • You should be able to stop the bleeding if you use the correct technique.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Squeeze the Lower Nose:
   • Gently squeeze the soft parts of the lower nose together. Gently press them against the center wall for 10 minutes. This puts constant pressure on the bleeding point.
   • Use the thumb and index finger in a pinching manner.
   • If the bleeding continues, move your point of pressure.
   • Have your child sit up and breathe through the mouth during this procedure.
   • If rebleeds, use the same technique again.
3. Put Gauze into the Nose:
   • If pressure alone fails, use a piece of gauze. Wet it with a few drops of water. Another option is to put a little petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) on it.
   • Insert the wet gauze into the side that is bleeding. Press again for 10 minutes. Reason it works: the gauze puts more pressure on the bleeding spot.
   • Special nose drops: if your child has lots of nose bleeds, buy some decongestant nose drops. An example is Afrin. No prescription is needed. Put 3 drops on the gauze and press. The nose drops also shrink the blood vessels in the nose.
   • Caution: don't use decongestant nose drops if your child is under 1 year of age.
   • If you don't have gauze, use a piece of paper towel.
   • Repeat the process of gently squeezing the lower soft parts of the nose. Do this for 10 minutes.
4. Prevent Recurrent Nosebleeds:
   • If the air in your home is dry, use a humidifier to keep the nose from drying out.
   • For nose blowing, blow gently.
   • For nose suctioning, don't put the suction tip very far inside. Also, move it gently.
   • Do not use aspirin and ibuprofen. Reason: Increases bleeding tendency.
   • Bleeding areas in the front of the nose sometimes develop a scab. It may heal slowly and re-bleed. If that happens to your child, try this tip. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to the spot. Repeat twice a day. Do not use for more than 1 week.
5. What to Expect:
   • Over 99% of nosebleeds will stop if you press on the right spot.
   • It may take 10 minutes of direct pressure.
   • After swallowing blood from a nosebleed, your child may vomit a little blood.
   • Your child may also pass a dark stool tomorrow from swallowed blood.
6. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Can't stop bleeding with 10 minutes of direct pressure done correctly
   • You think your child needs to be seen
   • Your child becomes worse