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Nosebleeds (also known as epistaxis) are a very common issue during childhood. The nose frequently bleeds as a result of dry nasal passages and trauma from the normal picking and rubbing of nose that all children do (no matter whether we try to discourage it, kids will do it). Children, who have nasal allergies, tend to exhibit more of these behaviors due to chronic nasal congestion and itchiness. Even frequent, vigorous nose blowing can cause a nosebleed.

A nosebleed usually starts suddenly from one nostril. Fortunately, most nosebleeds stop on their own within a few minutes. Nosebleeds tend to reduce in frequency by the time a child reaches his/her teenage years.

Home Care:

• Stay CALM!
• Have your child lean forward and spit out any blood. Do not have your child lay flat on his/her back as this can result in swallowing of blood.
• Tightly pinch the soft parts of the nose against the center wall for 10 minutes. Do not release pressure for the entire 10 minutes. Have your child breath through his/her mouth during this time.
• If after 10 minutes the bleeding has not stopped, repeat pinching of the soft part of the nose for another 10 minutes.
• Do not pack the nose with anything, because when the packing is removed, bleeding usually recurs.

Prevention:

• Apply a small amount of Vaseline to the nasal passages at bedtime.
• Spray each nostril with nasal saline twice a day.
• Use a humidifier in your child's room while they are sleeping.
• Never use aspirin in children, unless specifically instructed by your child's doctor.
• Consider treating nasal allergies with antihistamines.

CALL OUR OFFICE:

• If the bleeding does not stop after 20 minutes of direct pressure.
• If your child appears pale or sweaty or your child is not responding to you.
• If your child continues to have frequent nosebleeds despite the use of Vaseline a humidifier.
• Your child's nasal allergies are not controlled by over the counter antihistamines (or your child does not tolerate over the counter antihistamines).
• If you have other questions or concerns.

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