Seeing blood from the nose can frighten parents, but many childhood nosebleeds are harmless.

Common causes:

  • Nose picking  
  • Dry weather or excessive fan/AC exposure  
  • Allergies  
  • Frequent cold and sneezing  
  • Minor injury

What parents should do immediately:

  • Make child sit slightly forward  
  • Pinch soft part of nose for 10 minutes  
  • Avoid putting head backward  
  • Do not insert cloth or tissue deep inside nose

When should a pediatrician evaluate?

  • Frequent repeated bleeding  
  • Bleeding from gums/body also 
  • Very heavy bleeding  
  • Associated fever or weakness  
  • Family history of bleeding disorder


Simple hydration and nasal moisturization often help prevent recurrence.