Let me talk about one of the most common problems that children face during their early years.

It's nose bleeding, or as

they medically call it, Epistaxis. I've had the same problem in my childhood, so it got transferred to my son as well. Until I
came to know what had to be done in such situations, I used to freak out at the sight of the blood running out of his nose.

Children, as am sure you are well aware, are in a habit of picking their nose too frequently. You turn your head and you
always find them with a finger inside their nose and this is one of the most common cause for the nosebleeds.

Other secondary reasons may include

1. a hereditary problem, in which case either father or mother has had the same problem in their childhood. In such
cases, one of the blood vessels inside the nose walls is overly weak/sensitive and bursts with even minor
disturbance.
2. dry weather causing the blood vessel to burst
3. children's over exertion in which case the heat builds up in their head and gets expressed in the form of
nosebleeds
4. common cold, flu and allergies in which case the nose is blown too often
5. this one is rare, but a possibility is that there is a blood clotting problem
6. any other infection

The sight of blood gushing out from nose is very frightening, not only for children but also for parents, only if they don't
know how to tackle the situation.

What to do when nose bleeds?

This is how you can deal with the situation when it occurs:

1. The first and foremost step that should be taken by parents is to soothe their child, make them understand that
it's going to be okay.
2. After the child is comforted, make him sit firmly and in the upright position in your lap with his head
leaning slightly forward
3. Then, if your child is too young to do it himself, squeeze the soft portion above the nostrils, preferably using a
soft cloth. This will ensure that the blood flow stops and it doesn't spill over your child's clothes, at the same
time maintaining pressure on the nostrils. The pressure should continue for about 5-10 minutes.
4. Strict care should be taken during this period not to peep inside the nose to check whether the bleeding has
stopped, otherwise this results in the expelling of blood clot, thus restarting the fresh nosebleed.
5. Make sure the child does not swallow the blood and spits it out, otherwise it may lead to vomiting.
6. Create distractions for the child while you are holding the nose, it'll help.
7. After 10 mins, remove your hand gently and check if the bleeding has stopped, if not the process has to be
repeated for another 5-10 mins.
8. Apply ice pack on your child's nose after the bleeding has stopped.
9. Alternatively, insert a wet cotton lint in the bleeding nostril and keep it there for at least 5-10 mins. This will
comfort the child, will also help in clot formation.
10. For at least a day, make sure that your child does not indulge in any rigorous activity, or the bleeding may start
again.

How to prevent?

1. Use humidifier in your room in dry weather

2. Apply ghee/oil inside nostril on the affected area, this to keep the walls moist. Alternatively, you can use
ointments on doctor's prescription or saline nasal sprays. But from my personal experience, children are usually
cranky when you try to implement this point. If they are reluctant, don't force them to. Resort to #1 instead.
3. Consult a doctor when the child is healthy and hasn't had any nose bleed lately.
4. Make sure you regularly cleanse your child's nose so that he doesn't feel like picking it.
5. Ask your child to avoid any rigorous exercises if your child is susceptible to nosebleeds. Get him involved in some
mental exercises, play indoor games with them.
6. Give cold natured food to your child, 

Hope you find this information useful. Do let me know if you have any questions/comments.

Happy parenting!