Causes

• Nosebleeds are common because of the rich blood supply of the nose. Common causes include:
• Dryness of the nasal lining. In the winter, forced air heating often can dry out the nose.
• Antihistamines (Reason: Dry out the nose)
• Vigorous nose blowing
• Ibuprofen and aspirin (Reason: Increases bleeding tendency)
• Suctioning the nose can sometimes cause bleeding
• Picking or rubbing the nose
• Predisposing factors that make the nasal lining more fragile. Examples are nasal allergies, colds and sinus infections.

1. What You Should Know:
   • Nosebleeds are common.
   • You should be able to stop the bleeding if you use the correct technique.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Squeeze the Lower Nose:  
   • Gently squeeze the soft parts of the lower nose together. Gently press them against the center wall for 10 minutes.  This puts constant pressure on 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.
3. Put Gauze Into the Nose:
   • If pressure alone fails, wet a gauze with a few decongestant nose drops. An example is Afrin. No prescription is needed. Insert the wet gauze into the side that is bleeding. Reason: The gauze helps to put pressure on the bleeding spot. The nose drops also shrink the blood vessels.
   • If you don't have nose drops, use petroleum jelly on the gauze. Also, use petroleum jelly if your child is under 1 year of age.
   • If you don't have gauze, use a piece of paper towel.
   • Repeat the process of gently squeezing the lower soft parts of the nose. Do this for 10 minutes.
4. Prevent Recurrent Nosebleeds:
   • If the air in your home is dry, use a humidifier to keep the nose from drying out.
   • Use petroleum jelly to the center wall of the nose. Do this 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.
   • Do not use aspirin and ibuprofen. Reason: Increases bleeding tendency.
     
5. What to Expect:
   • Over 99% of nosebleeds will stop if you press on the right spot.
   • It may take 10 minutes of direct pressure.
   • After swallowing blood from a nosebleed, your child may vomit a little blood.
   • Your child may also pass a dark stool tomorrow from swallowed blood.
6. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Can't stop bleeding with 10 minutes of direct pressure done correctly
   • Your child becomes worse