NOSEBLEEDS

Bleeding from the nose can happen easily because the blood vessels and tissues of the nose are very delicate.

WHAT CAUSES NOSEBLEEDS
Many small and delicate blood vessels (capillaries) are in the lining of the nose. If your nose is hit or if it is scratched inside, the vessels may break and cause your nose to bleed. Home heating systems may dry the air in your home. This may dry the lining of the nose and cause bleeding. If a blood vessel inside your nose is very close to the surface, blowing your nose too hard or picking your nose may cause it to bleed. Sometimes nosebleeds are caused by serious diseases. If your nose bleeds often, you should see a doctor.

HOW TO STOP A NOSEBLEED
Here are a few things you can do to stop a nosebleed. If these do not stop your nosebleed, call your doctor for advice.
1. Sit up and lean your head forward slightly. Do not lie down.
2. Try to be quiet and calm. Talking, laughing, or crying may cause more bleeding.
3. With your thumb and forefinger, hold your nostrils tightly closed at the soft part of the nose just below the nasal bone and breathe through your mouth.
4. Hold the nostrils closed for 5 minutes. Time this with a clock or watch. If the bleeding has not stopped after a full 5 minutes, hold the nostrils closed again for 5 more minutes.
5. If bleeding does not stop after the second 5 minutes of pinching the nostrils, call your doctor.
6. Do not blow your nose or remove crusts for several hours. If it is necessary, blow your nose very gently. Either blowing or wiping your nose may cause fresh bleeding.
7. If any blood collects in your mouth, spit it out. Swallowing a large amount of blood may cause you to vomit.

**Fingernails should be cut short to prevent scratching the inside of the nose.                                                                                             **Apply a very thin coating of Vaseline inside each nostril once a day for 2 weeks. This will keep the lining of the nose moist.                     **Use a cool vaporizer in the bedroom at night, especially during the winter. Be sure to keep the vaporizer clean.

OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT NOSEBLEEDS
o Usually, nosebleeds do not cause enough blood loss to be serious in children who are otherwise healthy.
o If your child takes aspirin or any anticoagulant medicine and starts having nosebleeds, be sure to tell the doctor how often the nosebleeds happen.