A nosebleed can be scary, especially if it happens to your kids.
If your child gets them often, it’s important to know how to properly deal with them.
The first step is to not panic, but what else should you do when you start seeing red?
We had a chat with pediatrician Dr Joann Rajah from First Step Child Specialist Clinic to help parents learn about the right way to address their child’s nosebleeds.
Question 1: Why do nosebleeds happen so often in kids?
This is because kids have delicate little blood vessels near the front of their nose called Kiesselbach’s plexus.
These vessels are super sensitive and burst easily from simple and common situations like – dry air, especially in air-conditioned rooms, heat and humidity, nose picking, and frequent sneezing and nose blowing.
Not forgetting nosebleeds can also happen during those moments where they bump their face area while playing.
Most of the time, it’s an anterior nosebleed, which looks messy but isn’t serious.
And here’s what many parents may miss: dry noses are more likely to bleed.
That’s why nasal sprays are often recommended to keep things moisturised, especially if your child’s always in an air-conditioned room.
Keeping the nose hydrated is the key to stopping these nosebleeds before they even start.
Question 2: What should you do when your child is having a nosebleed?
These steps are simple but crucial:
- Stay calm. Your kid will mirror your energy.
- Sit them upright, leaning slightly forward and not back.
- Pinch the soft part of the nose (just below the bony bridge) and hold it for 10 minutes. Set a timer and avoid peeking no matter how much you may want to.
- Use a cold compress on the forehead or neck to help constrict vessels.
The bleeding and entire situation may look dramatic, but don’t worry, it’s usually just a small amount of blood spread out.
All in all, if bleeding doesn’t stop after 20 minutes, visit your child’s healthcare professional.
The reason why we often say ‘no peeking’ is because even a quick peek can break the clot that’s forming and start the bleeding all over again.
It resets the clock. So when we say 10 minutes – it actually means 10 uninterrupted minutes.
Question 3: How can we prevent nosebleeds in the first place?
Imagine the inside of the nose like a delicate sponge – when it’s dry, it becomes brittle and cracks easily.
Similarly to the tiny blood vessels in your child’s nose, without enough moisture, they’re more likely to rupture even from something as simple as a sneeze or nose rub.
What parents can do is add a gentle nasal spray into the daily routine, especially for kids who sleep in air-conditioned rooms or have recurring nosebleeds.
Think of it like skincare but for the insides of our nose.
Question 4: Are there different kinds of sprays we should be aware of?
Yes! Isotonic saline sprays are the most commonly recommended.
They help to hydrate and gently clear out irritants like dust and allergens, making them perfect for daily use.
And when choosing one for kids, go for a nasal spray with a gentle mist. It’s softer and more comfortable on the nose, so it won’t overwhelm them.
Here are the basic steps on how to use a standard saline nasal spray:
- Step 1: Hold the nasal spray upright and gently insert the nozzle into one nostril.
- Step 2: Spray for 1-2 seconds and repeat on the second nostril.
- Step 3: After using the spray, blow the nose gently.
Question 5: At what point does a simple nosebleed cross the line into something parents shouldn’t handle on their own?
There are a few red flags to watch out for:
- If the bleeding lasts more than 20 minutes even after applying proper pressure.
- If it’s coming from both nostrils at the same time.
- If the nosebleed started after a fall or head injury.
- If your child is looking pale, dizzy, or unusually weak.
- Or if there’s blood coming from the mouth or being coughed out.
Additionally, if nosebleeds are happening frequently, like a few times a week, it’s worth getting them checked.
Question 6: What are some of the common myths parents may still believe and need to leave behind?
Myth 1: Is it true that tilting the head back helps stop a nosebleed?
Nope, and that’s actually one of the biggest myths.
Tilting the head back lets blood drain into the throat, which can lead to nausea or even vomiting. Not fun for anyone.
Myth 2: How about plugging the nose with tissue?
Doing this creates pressure behind the blockage and can make the bleeding worse once you remove it. Plus, it will irritate the area even more.
Myth 3: What about the belief that nosebleeds are always a sign of something serious?
It’s a big misconception. Most nosebleeds in kids are triggered by simple things like dry air or nose-picking and not serious health issues.
But again, as highlighted previously, if they’re happening frequently or paired with other symptoms, then it’s worth taking a closer look!
Question 7: What should every parent have in their home to prepare for a possible nosebleed in the future?
Here’s your go-to nosebleed kit: Firstly, you need a gentle nasal spray to keep the nose hydrated.
Next, it’s useful to have a cool mist humidifier, especially if you’re using air-conditioning a lot.
Other than that, a cold gel pack for the forehead, plus a timer, so you’re not just guessing 10 minutes.
Last but not least, nail clippers to keep those little fingernails trimmed.
A bonus would be your phone or a little notebook to keep track of how often these nosebleeds are happening.
This is your very own mini family first-aid kit just for nosebleeds.
Deal with Nosebleeds the Gentle Way with ClariCare
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Free from drugs and preservatives, it’s suitable for adults, kids, and even babies as young as 2 weeks old.
Use it daily to moisturise dry nasal passages, flush out irritants, and help prevent nosebleeds, all with a gentle mist spray designed for comfort.
Usage is really simple – for daily prevention: spray 1 to 2 seconds in each nostril, 1–2 times a day; for active symptoms: spray 4 to 6 times a day as needed.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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