My son that has a bloody nose that doesn't stop!!!?

Question

I have taken my 5 yr old son to the doctor several times and had his nose cauterized. Now it won't stop bleeding. I don't know what to do. Any suggestions?

Also, should you tilt your head back while having a nose bleed? I heard you shouldn't.

So far I like Reebers answer the most. But the only thing is that his nose bleeds stay the same no matter the season or weather.

Answer 1

No! Don't tilt the head back! Tilting it back will cause the blood to go down his throat -- not good! Tilt it at an angle so it's not vertical, yet not all the way back either.

Really, the only option is to bring him back to the ER or doctor. It needs to be taken care of. I remember my mom doing this with my brother. His nose had been cauterized as well and it was still bleeding. She had to take him back to have it recauterized. I remember once the weather got warmer nearer to spring the bloody noses calmed down.

I remember him being so frustrated. I wish I could help you more.

Answer 2

Sometimes the bleeding can be controlled by simply applying firm pressure with the thumbs against the upper lip just below the nose. A more effective method is to gently insert into each nostril as small wad of sterile absorbent cotton so that a little cotton still protrudes from the opening. Then gently but firmly compress the nostrils between the thumb and fingers steadily for at least 6 mins. by the clock. Keep the child in a sitting position--not lying down. After the 6 mins. are up, gradually release the pressure on the nose. Do not remove the cotton for several hours and when you do, very gently pull it out. Discontinue using any aspirin because aspirin thins the blood. A cool house, the use of a vaporizer in his room at night and spraying an OTC nasal saline spray in his nose will help on a long-term basis. You didn't say whether or not you had BOTH nostrils cauterized. Sometimes the doctor will only do the nostril that tends to bleed because the procedure is so uncomfortable on a small child.

Answer 3

Has your MD performed tests to find out WHY he is having these chronic nosebleeds? That would be my first step. If your current MD isn't willing to run tests then find one who will. This could be nothing or it could be serious. This is your child, make someone listen, make them do tests until they know WHY this is happening. Cauterizing works short term but what is causing the bleeds to start in the first place??

Also NEVER tip the head back, the blood could go into the lungs causing your son to choke. They have a product called a "rapid-rhino".... no I am not kidding.... that looks similar to a tampon that is inserted into the nostril as a "packing". I believe this can only be done by an MD. It stays for hours or even days and then is removed by an MD. I have had several patients in the hospital with these and they look weird but they work wonders. Take some time and do some of your own research on a medical site such as Web MD.com about "bleeding disorders". The more information you are armed with the more someone will listen. I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 4

I used to get nose bleeds alot I don't know what a cauterized is but try putting vaseline in the nostrils and lying him in front of a fan it always works for me. Also have him blow his nose until the blood clot comes out ususally once you get that blood clot out everything is fine. All you gotta do after that is put the vaseline in his nose and put a fan in his fave to cool him off and dry up the blood.

Answer 5

My daycare does this: Crush ice & put it into a small ziploc sandwich bag, and then pinch the nose just below the bridge (where a person's glasses would rest on the nose), while holding the icy bag on top. Keep the head level - do not lean back. It should slow down and stop shortly.

Answer 6

Nancy and Marilyn B's suggestions are perfect.. And you should tilt the kid's head back.. Wikipedia says 'Tilting the head back is not advised, as it can lead to blood flowing into the respiratory system, and possibly resulting in serious breathing problems' If that doesn't work, take him to a doctor. And please try not to worry, this will pass.... Check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nosebleed for more info

Answer 7

Just today I heard that if you dampen a tea bag (regular lipton tea or whatever) and place it on the place that it's bleeding from, it will help the blood clot and stop. I don't know if that will be feasible since it could be pretty far up his nose, but if it's not, give it a try.

Answer 8

I had a bad nosebleed at that age, and a nurse was visiting my parents. She took gauze that came in a narrow strip and started shoving it way up my nose. It's amazing how much went up there. It was left there for at least a day.

There's also a powder that makes blood coagulate, they sell it in drugstores. It can be used to stop surface bleeding but they also sell a form that can be swabbed up in the nose to stop nosebleeds.

Answer 9

My sister used to get them all the time. The culprit was dry dry air. Very common in the winter time in most indoor environments. Add a humidifier to his bedroom when he is asleep at night. Also, go to the doctor to find out why he's having them--just to maek sure that it is not something else.

Answer 10

I don't want to cop out on this. But I hesitate to recommend any home remedies. I think it is potentially serious and it should be examined by a different physician.