Nosebleeds

The small blood vessels in the area between the nostrils are fragile and can burst easily causing a nosebleed. In children, the nose tends to bleed from only one side. Children usually grow out of the condition. If the bleeding is very heavy, prolonged or does not stop with first aid measures, take your child to NIHRACS.

Symptoms of nosebleeds

• bleeding from either or both nostrils
• a tingling feeling in the back of the throat

Causes of nosebleeds

A nosebleed can be caused by a range of factors, including:

• fragile blood vessels that bleed easily, in warm dry air or after exercise
• an infection of the sinuses, allergies that causes hay fever or coughing
• bumps or falls, an object that has been pushed up the nostril like a finger

Treatment

Reassure the person, especially children, as crying increases blood flow.

• Sit the person up straight and drop their head slightly forward.
• Apply finger and thumb pressure on the soft part of nostrils below the bridge of the nose for at least 10 minutes.
• Tell them to breathe through their mouth while their nostrils are pinched.
• Loosen tight clothing around the neck.
• Place a cold cloth or cold pack over the person’s forehead and one around the neck, especially around the sides of the neck.
• After 10 minutes, release the pressure on the nostrils and check to see if the bleeding has stopped.
• If bleeding persists, seek medical aid.
• Tell the person not to sniff or blow their nose for at least 15 minutes and not to pick their nose for the rest of the day.

For the full copy of the fact sheet, visit link https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/nosebleeds#bhc-content

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