Nosebleeds are common in kids 3 to 10 years old, and most are caused by dry air, nose picking, nasal allergies, or other factors that irritate the blood vessels in the front of the nose.

Most of the bleeding comes from the wall between the two cavities (the lower septum) just inside the nose, also known as the Little’s area which contains many delicate blood vessels that can be easily damaged.

As a parent or guardian, this can be extremely scary, but don’t be alarmed. This is usually short-lived. Here are steps you can take to treat nosebleeds in children at home:

1. Have them sit upright, leaning slightly forward.
2. Do not lean the child back because this can cause them to swallow the blood.
3. Gently pinch the tip of the child’s nose between two fingers using a tissue and have them breathe through their mouth.
4. Continue applying pressure for around 10 minutes, even if the bleeding stops.

If you are able to stop it, you likely do not need to seek medical care. However, you need to call your doctor if the nosebleeds are frequent; there is a family history of a bleeding disorder; it happens after an injury; or it lasts longer than 20 minutes.

There are also some steps you can take to prevent nosebleeds:

• Avoid nose picking and ensure fingernails are kept short.
• Keep nose blowing to a minimum and if it is a must, to do it gently.
• Make sure your home is humidified.
• Ensure your child wears a head guard during activities where their nose or head could easily get injured.
• Always follow the instructions that come with nasal decongestants – overusing them can cause nosebleeds.

This article was contributed by Dr Goh Chun Hwee, Consultant Paediatrician at Pantai Hospital Ampang. To know more about where and when to see Dr Goh Chun Hwee at his clinic, click here.