Nosebleeds — medically known as epistaxis — are extremely common in children, particularly between the ages of 2 and 10. The nose has a rich blood supply concentrated in a small area called Kiesselbach’s plexus on the front of the nasal septum. In children, this area is especially prone to bleeding because the overlying mucosa is thin, easily dried out, and frequently traumatized by nose picking.

The vast majority of pediatric nosebleeds are anterior (from the front of the nose), brief, and manageable at home with proper technique. However, when nosebleeds happen frequently, last a long time, or fail to respond to basic first aid, a visit to a pediatric ENT is the right next step.

Most childhood nosebleeds look dramatic but are rarely dangerous. The sight of blood can be alarming — but staying calm helps your child stay calm, which actually helps the bleeding stop faster.

Why do children get nosebleeds?

Nose Picking

By far the most common cause — direct trauma to the delicate blood vessels at the front of the septum

Dry Air

Low humidity — especially in winter with indoor heating — dries and cracks the nasal lining

Allergies & Nasal Congestion

Chronic inflammation and frequent nose blowing irritates the nasal mucosa

Nasal Steroid Sprays

When sprayed directly at the septum rather than the outer nasal wall, they can cause dryness and bleeding

Prominent Blood Vessel

Some children have a visible, fragile blood vessel on the septum that bleeds easily — treatable with cautery

Upper Respiratory Infections

Congestion, blowing, and inflammation during colds increase nosebleed frequency

First aid for a nosebleed

What to do when your child gets a nosebleed

Sit upright and lean slightly forward — this prevents blood from flowing down the throat. Do not tilt the head back.
Pinch the soft part of the nose — not the bony bridge — and hold firmly for 10 full minutes without releasing. Use a clock. Most parents release too early.
Breathe through the mouth during compression. Keep your child calm and distracted.
Do not pack the nose with tissue — this can disrupt the clot when removed. A cold cloth on the bridge of the nose may help.
After bleeding stops — apply a thin layer of saline gel or petroleum jelly inside the nostril to keep the area moist and prevent re-bleeding.

When to go to the ER Most nosebleeds stop within 10–15 minutes. These ones need immediate attention. Take your child to the emergency room if: bleeding does not stop after 20–30 minutes of sustained pressure; the bleeding is extremely heavy and your child is swallowing large amounts of blood; the nosebleed followed a significant head injury; or your child is on blood thinners or has a known bleeding disorder.

When to see a pediatric ENT

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Samarrai if your child experiences any of the following:

Nosebleeds occurring more than once or twice per week
Nosebleeds that regularly take more than 10–15 minutes to stop despite correct technique
Nosebleeds occurring during sleep
Nosebleeds from both nostrils simultaneously or coming from the back of the throat
Easy bruising elsewhere in the body alongside frequent nosebleeds
A nosebleed that stopped but recurred within a short period

In-office examination allows Dr. Samarrai to identify whether there is a prominent or fragile blood vessel on the septum causing recurrent bleeding. When identified, this can be treated with in-office chemical cautery — a quick, well-tolerated procedure that permanently seals the bleeding vessel and resolves the problem in most cases.

Frequently asked questions

My child gets nosebleeds almost every day — is that normal?

Daily nosebleeds are not typical and deserve evaluation. While the cause is usually benign — a prominent blood vessel on the septum, dry air, or allergies — the frequency is disruptive and there is an effective, simple treatment. An ENT visit will identify the source and whether in-office cautery is appropriate.

Does cautery hurt?

In-office chemical cautery for children uses silver nitrate to seal the bleeding vessel. A topical anesthetic is applied first. Most children experience only a brief stinging sensation. The procedure takes a few minutes and is generally very well tolerated. Many parents are surprised by how straightforward it is.

Could my child’s nosebleeds be a sign of a bleeding disorder?

The vast majority of children with frequent nosebleeds do not have a bleeding disorder. However, if your child also has easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, heavy menstrual bleeding (in older girls), or a family history of bleeding disorders, it is worth mentioning to your doctor. Dr. Samarrai will ask about these factors during the evaluation.

How do I prevent nosebleeds in winter?

Dry winter air is a major contributor. Using a cool-mist humidifier in your child’s room, applying saline nasal spray or saline gel inside the nostrils daily, and keeping nails trimmed (to reduce trauma from nose picking) are the most effective preventive measures. If your child uses a nasal steroid spray, ensure they are directing it toward the outer nasal wall, not the septum.

Will my child outgrow nosebleeds?

Many children do experience fewer nosebleeds as they get older and the nasal mucosa toughens. However, if nosebleeds are frequent or disruptive, there is no reason to wait years hoping they resolve on their own when an effective in-office treatment is available now.

Serving Brooklyn & Staten Island

Seaside ENT sees patients at 6818 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220 in Bay Ridge and 1191 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310. Dr. Samarrai speaks both Arabic and English. Most major insurance plans are accepted including Medicaid.

Pediatric ENT | Brooklyn & Staten Island

Tired of your child’s frequent nosebleeds?

Call Seaside ENT to schedule a pediatric evaluation with Dr. Samarrai. In-office cautery available.

Call (917) 992-3873

Brooklyn & Staten Island