What to do when your child has a nosebleed
Written by:
ENT specialist
Published: 26/02/2021
Edited by: Laura Burgess
Nosebleeds (also known as epistaxis) are common in children and might be caused by your child picking their nose, dry air in the home, allergies or an injury. But how should you treat a nosebleed in your child when it occurs? And how can you prevent it from happening again? Expert consultant ENT surgeon Mr Prince Modayil answers these questions and more…
What should I do if my child is having a nosebleed?
Most epistaxis in children is minor and tends to self-resolve without any intervention other than direct pressure at the tip of the nose (the lower soft part of the nose). This can be performed by a parent or carer. In the event of a nosebleed, I advise that you:
If your child’s nose bleed seems excessive, swallowing a large amount of blood, the bleeding started after a blow to the head, feeling weak or dizzy and/or having difficulty breathing, then please take your child to the nearest A&E.
What are the treatment options for nosebleeds in children?
The possible treatment options depend on the severity of your child’s nosebleed, but may involve the following:
First aid
The majority of times, nosebleeds in children can be stopped by applying pressure to the lower soft part of the nose for 10 to 15 minutes. A cream called Naseptin is applied twice daily for the next two weeks. This cream helps the broken vessel to heal fast and also makes the bleeding area moist so that it doesn’t get crusted. It is the falling of crust that results in bleeding. Naseptin cream cannot be used in children who are allergic to peanuts as it contains peanut oil. In that case, they have to use Bactroban ointment.
A&E
If the bleeding is uncontrolled and not stopping inspired by the above measures, the child has to be seen in A&E. Here they might perform a procedure called cauterisation (applying chemical silver nitrate sticks) to the broken blood vessel. Rarely children require nose packs. Blood tests including full blood count and coagulation studies are usually performed.
ENT Clinic
The ENT doctor will examine the child’s nose looking for any potential bleeding areas. This is usually found in the front part of the nose on the nasal septum (which is known as ‘Little’s area’).
If the obvious cause is not found then the ENT doctor might carry out an endoscopic examination of the nose to look for other causes. Most of the nose bleeds in children are managed conservatively that is by applying pressure to the soft part of the nose, base-tin cream application etc. We tend to avoid cauterisation in children according to NICE guidelines.
How can I help prevent a nosebleed in my child?
If your child has nosebleeds often, you can help prevent them in these ways:
Read more on the causes of nosebleeds in kids
You can book an appointment with Mr Modayil via his Top Doctor’s profile here. Can’t make the appointment in person? He is also available for a video call using our e-Consultation tool which can also be found on his profile.
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