Is it necessary to see a doctor immediately for a nosebleed?

Question

Hello doctor,

My four year old son bumped his nose on his cousin, while in a swimming pool. It bled a lot, but I pinched his nose for a couple of minutes while he was sitting on my lap. The bleeding stopped immediately. Now, he is calm and watching television. Should I take him to a doctor immediately?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Mechanical compression is the treatment of epistaxis, most of the bleeding stop by this method. If the bleeding does not stop, then we do a nasal packing. But in this case, as the bleeding stopped, there is no need of further treatment if there is no recurrence of bleeding. If the bleeding recurs, then apply pressure and sought medical attention immediately. Keep an adrenaline ampule, dilute it in saline, use it after soaking in cotton, apply in the nasal cavity if bleeding recurs.

For further queries consult a paediatrician online.

Answer 2

Hi, Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, he can resume the normal activities if there is no recurrence of the bleed within the next 24 hours. Keep a close watch for next 24 hours, as we need to evaluate whether the trauma was minor or major. If there is a swelling over the nose, then an X-ray may be needed to rule out simultaneous bone trauma.

For more information consult a pediatrician online.