Tips for Kids Who Have Frequent Nosebleeds

The other day, my daughter and I were sitting on the couch reading a book.  It was a cold, bitter day.  We were enjoying some quality one on one time when she suddenly bolted from the chair and ran to the bathroom.  She re-emerged moments later with a piece

I can recall MANY visits to the emergency room as a young child for bloody noses that wouldn’t stop.  One of those trips was on Christmas Eve.  I’m sure my brother retains a little of his anger from that one.  Another was on a family vacation to Florida.  Nothing like spending a week with gauze shoved up your nose.

So, you may be wondering what this has to do with parenting.  Well, I thought I would share what I have learned over the years in the hopes of helping anyone out there who has a child who gets frequent bloody noses.

First, let’s talk about the causes.  Besides trauma (like a sock in the face), nosebleeds are often caused by a thinning or drying of the membranes in the nose.  The drop in temperature during the winter months and the dryness in our house are the likely causes of bloody noses for my daughter and I.  Here are some things you can do to avoid nose bleeds:

• Use a humidifier during the winter months to add moisture to your home.  (Bonus:  It helps get rid of winter time static!)
• Avoid using aspirin.  It thins the membranes.
• Drink lots of orange juice.
• Put some Vaseline on a Q-tip and apply to the inside of your nose.

How to stop a bloody nose:

• Place your finger just above the nostril on the outside of the nose.  Apply direct pressure for at least five minutes.  You may need to repeat again.  This will cause the blood to clot.
• Remain in a seated position.  Lying down will only cause the blood to flow down the throat (yuch!).
• Avoid bumping or blowing your nose for at least a half hour after the bleeding stops.  You don't want to blow out the clot as this will likely cause the bleeding to resume.
  

·         In the event the bleeding will not stop, call your doctor.  You may need to go into the his office or the emergency room.  Your nose may need to be packed (like mine on my Florida vacation) or cauterized (like mine on Christmas Eve).

I hope this information helps any of you out there who have children that experience frequent nosebleeds.  If you want more information on this subject, check out familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/healthy/firstaid/basics/132.html.  You can also check this message board that has some interesting remedies at http://www.otan.dni.us/webfarm/emailproject/nosebleed.htm.