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Nose Bleeds

When bleeding occurs in the nose, it is from the small blood vessels located inside the nostrils. Nose bleeds can be caused by breathing dry air (such as cold winter air or inside air when furnaces are running). In children, nose picking is the primary cause of a nose bleed.

If you or your child has ever gotten a nose bleed, you know how difficult it can be to stop the bleeding. Knowing what to do, or not do, is often the most troubling part of the process. The following tips are provided as a guide only. Always follow your physician’s specific instructions for treating your child’s nose bleeds.

Treatment of Nose Bleeds

• Tilt the head forward to prevent blood from going down the throat. This will also help you determine when the bleeding has stopped.
• Apply firm pressure to the sides of the nose. You may need to hold this pressure anywhere from five to 20 minutes for the bleeding to stop.
• Remove weak, stringy clots to allow the good clots to form.
• Apply an ice pack to the bridge of the nose.
• Use factor if the nose bleed lasts longer than usual, or if there is trauma to the head or face. In these cases, call your physician for further instruction or go to the emergency room.
• People with von Willebrand disease may need to use either DDAVP® or factor as prescribed by your physician.
• Neo-Synephrine® drops or spray will constrict the blood vessels and help stop the bleeding.
• If the bleeding persists, you may need to have the nose packed. There are products available to pack the nose, but check with your physician first.
• There may be bleeding in the upper passage of the nose that is not readily visible. You will need to observe and notify your physician in the case of any of the following:
• Paleness of skin, which may indicate anemia
• Tar-like stools from swallowing blood
• Nausea/vomiting due to swallowing blood
• Dark yellow or green mucus from the nose may be an indication of infection
• Always follow your physician’s instructions when dealing with a nose bleed.

Prevention of Nose Bleeds

• Keep the inside of the nose moist with Vaseline®, especially in cold weather.
• Keep children’s fingernails short.
• Use a vaporizer or humidifier to keep indoor air moist during the winter when furnaces are running.

Important: People with a bleeding disorder should not have their nose cauterized (searing of the blood vessels) as this may cause more bleeding.