Understanding Nosebleeds
What is it? Bleeding from one or both nostrils, often from dry air, colds, allergies, nose picking, or certain medications.
Common Types
- Dryness/Irritation: From dry air, colds, frequent blowing, or nasal crusting.
- Medication-related: Caused by allergy meds, nasal sprays, decongestants, ibuprofen, or aspirin.
- Behavioral/Trauma: From nose picking, rubbing, suctioning, or bumps to the nose.
When to Manage at Home
✅ You can manage your child's nosebleed at home when:
- Bleeding stops within 10 minutes of direct pressure (soft part of nose, leaning forward).
- No heavy bleeding, dizziness, or vomiting blood.
- No injury or suspected object in the nose.
How to Treat at Home
🏠 Home remedies for nosebleeds:
- Sit child up, lean forward, pinch soft part of nose for 10 minutes.
- Use saline spray and a cool-mist humidifier.
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly inside the nostrils if dry/scabby.
- Avoid nose picking, rough nose blowing, and NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin) unless advised.
Safe Medications
- Saline spray or drops to keep nostrils moist.
- Petroleum jelly applied inside the nose (twice daily if needed).
When to Contact Poppins
📱 Contact us again when:
- Bleeding stops with pressure but keeps coming back.
- You’re unsure if you’re using the right technique.
- You have questions about medicines or prevention.
- Symptoms change or new ones appear.
When to Visit Your Pediatrician
🩺 Go to an in-person appointment when:
- Nosebleeds are becoming more frequent.
- There’s ongoing crusting, scabbing, or visible damage inside the nose.
When to Go to the ER
🚨 Seek immediate emergency care if your child is:
- Has bleeding that doesn’t stop after 10 minutes of pressure.
- Looks pale, weak, or unwell.
- Has heavy bleeding, dizziness, fainting, or vomiting blood.
- Has trouble breathing, major facial injury, or a suspected posterior nosebleed.
If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.
