Bloody noses are common during the winter months when both indoor and outdoor air is drier. The following are 4 tips on how to prevent and treat a child’s bloody nose:
Tip #01: Keep the nasal passages moist. Nasal saline drops, used regularly, are a great way to accomplish this. Also, gently placing a bland moisturizing ointment, such as plain Vaseline, into each nostril will help protect the delicate tissues.
Tip #02: Use a cool mist humidifier on a table or dresser in an infant’s nursery or at the beside for older children. Humidifying the air in their bedrooms at night will keep little noses and throats from getting dried out during the harsh winter months. A cool-mist humidifier is best because it generates less heat than warm-mist humidifiers. Just be sure to keep your humidifier clean and sanitized so that you are not filling your child’s room with mold and bacteria.
Tip #03: Teach your child to blow their nose gently. If they have a lot of congestion, they may need to use a saline nasal spray or drops before blowing their nose. Gentle nasal suctioning is ideal for younger kids who are unable to blow their own noses. Use caution when inserting the end of the bulb syringe or suction device so as not to irritate tiny passages.
Tip #04: Discourage nose picking and aggressive use of tissues. The number one cause of nose bleeds in children is sharp little fingers causing damage to the inside of the nasal passages. Twisting tissues and forcefully cleaning out congestion also has the same effect on these delicate tissues.
If your child’s nose continues to bleed after trying these tips, please consult with their pediatrician.
Happy wintering! And remember to keep those nasal passages moist! 🙂
We hope you found this article helpful. Bloody noses can be stressful. First, they can cause a mess. Second, there’s the chance of having to deal with them in public since they are unpredictable. Third, it’s not always clear how to treat them.
Dr. Andrea Wadley is a pediatrician located in Dallas/Fort Worth serving families with pediatrician house calls. As a wife and mother, her posts are written with parents in mind, whether you need help with a picky eater, need to find places where kids eat free or want to know more about topics like breastfeeding and lactation.
