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Nosebleeds in Kids

It can be alarming to see blood coming from your child’s nose, especially if it seems sudden or happens frequently. However, nosebleeds in children are common and usually not serious. In this article, we’ll walk you through what nosebleeds are, what causes them, and what to do when they occur.

If your child is experiencing frequent or unexplained nosebleeds, our pediatric experts at Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates in Houston, Texas, have the experience to evaluate and treat these concerns. Schedule an appointment today!

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A boy with a nosebleed wiping his nose with tissue in Texas.

Understanding Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds, also known as epistaxis, are a common issue in childhood. While they can seem dramatic, especially when there’s a lot of blood, most nosebleeds in children are harmless and easily managed at home. They typically originate in the front part of the nose, where delicate blood vessels lie close to the skin’s surface.

In children, nosebleeds can happen occasionally or frequently. Understanding the underlying causes and how to respond can help parents manage these episodes and prevent unnecessary worry.

What is a Nosebleed?

A nosebleed occurs when small blood vessels inside the nasal passages break and bleed. These blood vessels are delicate and can rupture easily due to dryness, irritation, or trauma. Most nosebleeds are considered anterior nosebleeds, meaning they occur in the front part of the nose where most of the blood vessels are located.

In some cases, kids may swallow blood during a nosebleed, which can lead to temporary stomach discomfort or vomiting. While unsettling, swallowing small amounts of blood is not dangerous.

What Causes Nosebleeds in Kids?

There are many reasons why nosebleeds occur in children, including:

  • Dry air or dry climates – Dry air can irritate the nasal passages and increase the likelihood of bleeding, especially during winter or in air-conditioned environments.
  • Nose picking – One of the most common causes, especially in younger kids. Picking can injure blood vessels in the nose.
  • Frequent nose blowing – Forceful or repetitive blowing can irritate or damage the nasal lining.
  • Minor trauma – Bumps or hits to the nose can break blood vessels in the affected area.
  • Allergies or colds – These can inflame the nasal passages, increasing the risk of bleeding.
  • Foreign body in the nose – Kids may insert small objects into the nose, which can cause irritation or injury.
  • Bleeding disorders – Rare, but children who bruise easily or have a family history of bleeding disorders may be more prone to frequent nosebleeds.
 

If a child experiences repeated nosebleeds without a clear cause, a healthcare provider may check for underlying conditions such as a blood clotting issue or anemia, both considered part of broader childhood illnesses.

How to Stop a Nosebleed in a Child

When a nosebleed starts, follow these simple steps:

  1. Stay calm – Keeping yourself calm helps your child stay calm.
  2. Have your child sit up and lean slightly forward – This prevents swallowing blood and helps you see where the bleeding is coming from.
  3. Pinch the soft part of the nose – Using your thumb and index finger, apply firm, steady pressure to the front part of the child’s nose (just below the nasal bridge).
  4. Hold pressure for 10 minutes – Don’t release pressure to check too early, as this could restart the bleeding.
  5. Apply a cool compress – A cold cloth or ice pack on the nose or back of the neck may help constrict blood vessels.
 

Avoid letting your child lie flat or tilt their head back. This increases the risk of swallowing blood, which may cause nausea or vomiting.

What to Do for Frequent Nosebleeds in Kids

If your child experiences frequent or severe nosebleeds, it may be time to consult a pediatrician. Your child’s doctor may ask about:

  • Any recent trauma to the child’s nose
  • Family history of bleeding disorders
  • Other symptoms like fatigue, bruising, or slow wound healing
  • Use of any medications, especially those that affect clotting
 

A pediatrician may refer your child to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or throat specialist if there is concern about structural issues or persistent nasal irritation.

Treatments for Recurrent Nosebleeds

If nosebleeds are frequent, several treatment options are available, depending on the cause:

  • Moisturizing the nose – Using antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly inside the nostrils can help prevent the nasal lining from drying out.
  • Nasal sprays – Saline sprays keep nasal passages moist, especially in dry climates.
  • Cautery – In some cases, an ENT specialist may recommend chemical cautery to seal problematic blood vessels. This procedure is typically quick and may not require general anesthesia in older children.
  • Managing allergies – If allergies are contributing to irritation and bleeding, allergy medications or nasal sprays may help reduce inflammation.
 

Nosebleeds that do not stop with applying pressure or those accompanied by unusual bruising or fatigue may require evaluation to rule out bleeding disorders.

How to Prevent Nosebleeds in Kids

Preventing nosebleeds often involves managing environmental factors and habits:

  • Humidify the air – Use a humidifier in your child’s room, especially during dry months or in air-conditioned homes.
  • Discourage nose picking – Teach your child gentle nose care and the risks of nose picking.
  • Keep nails trimmed – Short fingernails reduce the chance of damaging nasal tissues.
  • Use a saline nasal spray – Helps keep nasal passages moist, especially in dry climates or during allergy seasons.
  • Apply ointment – A small amount of petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment applied with a cotton swab can help protect the part of the nose most prone to bleeding.
  • Avoid secondhand smoke and irritants – These can dry out or irritate the lining of the nose.

Supporting Your Child Through Nosebleeds

If you’re concerned about your child’s nosebleeds or feel they are becoming too frequent, our team at Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates is here to help. Our experienced pediatric providers in Houston, Texas, work closely with ENT specialists and other professionals when needed to get to the root of the problem and offer solutions that fit your child’s needs.

Call or schedule an appointment at one of our offices today to have your child evaluated by pediatric experts who care.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Monica McGrann

Patient Resources

Services

  1. https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/nosebleeds-epistaxis

  2. https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/blog/should-i-worry-about-my-childs-bloody-nose