How to Treat Kids with Nosebleeds

Children get nosebleeds for a variety of reasons. They can be caused by allergies, dry air or respiratory infections. They also can come about from an injury to the nose, or from a child's blowing her nose too hard. Nosebleeds are usually not a cause for concern, unless they are frequent and difficult to manage. Most nosebleeds can be stopped in a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Washcloth
• Chair or other place to sit

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Instructions

Stop the Bleeding

• 1

  Have the child sit or stand to treat the nosebleed.

  Squeeze the tip of the child's nose firmly. It is best to have the child sitting down for easier access. If there is no place to sit, then have the child stand. Do not let her lie down. This increases blood pressure in the head. After the child is seated, pinch the lower, soft part of the nose with your fingers. Keep the pressure on for 10 minutes, then release to see if the flow has stopped.

• 2

  Children can get nosebleeds just from playing.

  Lean the child forward. It may seem natural to have the child tilt his head back, but that will not stop the nosebleed. Having the child lean forward will help keep the blood from flowing back into the child's throat and prevent him from swallowing the blood or choking on it. If the child swallows enough blood, it may make him vomit. It may be useful to use a washcloth to help hold your fingers in place; the cloth will also be softer on the child's nose.

• 3

  Try reading to the child to distract her, or let her watch television.

  Distract the child. Robert Mills, M.D., an ear, nose and throat physician on the website NetDoctor, recommends reading the child a story or letting her watch television while you are pinching her nose. The distraction will make the time go by faster and help to relieve any anxiety she may be feeling.

• 4

  Do not let the child engage in vigorous activity for several hours after a nosebleed.

  Keep the child quiet. Mills recommends not letting the child play any vigorous games or participate in rough activity for at least a couple of hours after the bleeding has stopped. This will help prevent the bleeding from recurring.