Even frequent nosebleeds aren't usually caused by something seriously wrong.

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Burton MJ, Doree CJ.
Interventions for recurrent idiopathic epistaxis (nosebleeds) in children (Cochrane review).
In: The Cochrane Library. Wiley, Chichester, UK.

 

 

 

 

 

¹ Most children grow out of having nosebleeds by the time they're teenagers.

Most nosebleeds can be stopped at home with first aid.

If your child's nosebleed cannot be stopped with simple first aid at home, the bleeding can probably be stopped with treatment from your child's doctor or the doctors at the hospital emergency room.

Treatment might involve packing the nose with gauze. The doctor might also cauterize your child's nose to stop the bleeding. This involves placing a spot of a chemical called silver nitrate over the bleeding area, using a small stick. This seals the blood vessel where the blood is coming from, much like welding seals a leaking pipe. This can be painful but the area can be numbed first with a

 

 

 

 

 

local anesthetic
Local anesthetic is a painkiller for one area of your body. You usually get it as a shot. It makes that area numb. An example is the novocaine you get when your dentist fills a cavity.

 

 

 

 

 

local anesthetic.

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Kucik CJ, Clenney T.
Management of epistaxis.
American Family Physician. 2005; 71: 305-311.

 

 

 

 

 

²

If your child's nosebleeds are frequent, there are treatments you can try to prevent them.

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