by Ann Marie Dwyer

Created on: January 08, 2008   Last Updated: January 09, 2008

Although nosebleeds are common for children, the commonly known treatments for them are not effective and can lead to nosebleeds lasting longer than is necessary. Let's separate myths from facts.

Myth: Lean back.
*Fact* Leaning back can cause the child to swallow the blood or choke on it as it travels down the back of the throat.
Solution: The child should lean forward so that the blood flows away from the throat.

Myth: Pinch or put ice on the bridge of the nose.
*Fact* Pinching the bridge of the nose will have no effect on the nosebleed. Icing the nosebleed will cause the nasal tissues to contract, often causing more blood vessels to burst. This will aggravate the nosebleed, making it last longer
Solution: Pinch the soft portion of the nose (or tip) below the bridge. This will allow the blood to pool and the natural clotting agents in the blood to stop the nose bleed.

Myth: Let it bleed. It will stop on its own.
*Fact* Depending on the cause of the nosebleed, this can lead to bleeding to death.
Solution: Pool the blood in the nose for at least ten minutes. Release the nose to check to see if bleeding has stopped. If not, repeat and check again. If bleeding has still not stopped, only repeat once more to stop the bleeding.

If bleeding has still not stopped after 30 minutes, seek the advice of a physician.

After the nosebleed stops, keep the child from blowing (or picking) his nose for the next few days. This will leave the clot in place so that the vessels can heal. Blowing the nose can cause the nosebleed to begin again.

If a nosebleed continues to seep through a clot, some physicians will advise blowing the clot out and applying a topical decongestant spray, such as Afrin. Seek the advice of your pediatrician before trying this.

In the event that your child experiences nosebleeds more often than three times per week and/or for a longer time than 30 minutes each, seek the advice of a physician.

Now that you know how to treat your child's nosebleed, take the next step. Prevent nosebleeds by finding out what is causing them. This can often be done without the help of a physician, unless your child suffers from a bleeding disorder. Most of the common causes of children's nosebleeds can be alleviated by parents in a few easy steps.

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