What should I do if my child's nose keeps bleeding?
I am the mother of a 5-year-old girl. My child has experienced nosebleeds 2-3 times daily over the past two weeks, mostly occurring during nighttime sleep. The bleeding is heavy and requires pressure with gauze to stop. It has already affected her sleep. How can this be effectively managed?
Doctor's answer (1)
When a child frequently experiences nosebleeds, it is important to take prompt measures to stop the bleeding and analyze potential causes to prevent recurrence. The blood vessels in the nasal lining are relatively fragile and can easily rupture and bleed due to external irritations, such as dry air, forceful nose-blowing, or picking the nose. If a child experiences frequent nosebleeds, it may be due to nasal mucosal damage or environmental factors, but possible underlying health issues, such as blood disorders or hypertension, should also be considered. Parents should observe whether the child has other symptoms such as skin bruising, fatigue, or fever, in order to provide more comprehensive information to the doctor.
In daily life, improving indoor humidity can help protect the nasal passages—for example, by using a humidifier or placing a bowl of water in the room—to prevent the nasal passages from becoming overly dry. Teach children not to pick their noses or rub them forcefully, thereby reducing nasal irritation. When a child has a nosebleed, have her sit down and slightly tilt her head forward, then use fingers to gently press the sides of the nose for several minutes to assist in stopping the bleeding. If nosebleeds occur frequently or are accompanied by other unusual symptoms, the child should be taken to a healthcare provider promptly for examination, to determine the cause and receive professional treatment.
