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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR NOSEBLEED |
- Reassurance:
- Nosebleeds are common.
- You should be able to stop the bleeding if you use the correct technique.
- Apply Pressure:
- Gently squeeze the soft parts of the lower nose against the center wall for 10 minutes. This should apply continuous pressure to the bleeding point.
- Use the thumb and index finger in a pinching manner.
- If the bleeding continues, move your point of pressure.
- Have your child sit up and breathe through the mouth during this procedure.
- If rebleeds, use the same technique again.
- Insert Gauze:
- If pressure alone fails, insert a gauze wet with a few decongestant nose drops (e.g., nonprescription Afrin). (Reason: The gauze helps to apply pressure and nose drops shrink the blood vessels).
- If not available or less than one year old, use petroleum jelly applied to gauze.
- Repeat the process of gently squeezing the lower soft parts of the nose for 10 minutes.
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Prevent Recurrent Nosebleeds:
- If the air in your home is dry, use a humidifier to keep the nose from drying out.
- Apply petroleum jelly to the center wall of the nose twice a day to promote healing.
- For nose blowing, blow gently.
- For nose suctioning, don't put the suction tip very far inside. Also, move it gently.
- Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen (Reason: increase bleeding tendency).
- Expected Course: Over 99% of nosebleeds will stop following 10 minutes of direct pressure if you press on the right spot. After swallowing blood from a nosebleed, your child may vomit a little blood or pass a dark stool tomorrow.
- Call Your Doctor If:
- Unable to stop bleeding with 20 minutes of direct pressure
- Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
