to ask a child health question here for quick responsesv

[abbierhodes]

DS2 (5) has had 2 nose bleeds in the space of an hour and a half.
He says he banged hi head at school, although It didn't hurt much at the time.
I have very little experience of nose-bleeds, none of my children have ever had them before.
Should I be worried?

I would call out of hours and have a chat on the phone with a doctor just to check.

When was the last time he bled, was it dark or bright red, thick or thin, how much?

It's bright red, not particularly thick or thin, tbh. Just 'mormal' blood.
Not pouring out or anything, hard to say how much. It was all over his face/pillow etc the second time, and there was still a bit to wipe if that makes sense.

Sorry for typos, trying to make it fast. Our OOH is shut now, so my only options are NHS direct or A and E.
I'd just like some objective opinions on here as a trip to A and E will be difficult as I have 2 other kids and DH is working. Obviously if he needs to go I'll sort it, but if it can wait till morning that would be better.
I literally have no clue about nose bleeds.

A &E. head injury and unusual nose bleeds potentially worrying. Not something to sleep on.

What part of the head did he bang, front or back?

Is he a sneaky picker? DD3 can make her nose bleed by scratching during a sneaky root.

I wish I could say it would be fine but I'm really not sure, is there a bump?

Back of his head. Can't feel a bump. I don't think itks been done by picking, too much blood iyswim.

Call NHS direct. I think the new number is 111.

If it were me I would call the local A&E, explain an un-reported by the school bump to the back of the head with fresh. One bleeds, 2 in the last 2 hours.

How is your son now, sleeping? Are you able to rouse him?

He is sleeping. He woke up fully and walked downstairs so I could clean his face and have a closer look. He wanted to go back to sleep though so I took him back up.

When my ds got knocked out in play ground they said things to watch for are dilated pupils, bruising behind ears and soft lump.
I would phone nhs direct. Just to be on the safe side

NHS direct are 'exceptionally busy and only taking urgent calls' How do I know if this is urgent??

It's a head injury with unexplained bleeding. I think that's urgent.

You should have some from of OOH Gp service. When our ooh centre is shut you have to phone the gp practice to get the phone number of the Ooh gp.

I would certainly want to get some proffessional advice this evening. It's probably unrelated but better to check

Personally wouldn't bother with NHS direct I'd just go to A and E , better safe than sorry .

Yes, I thought you phoned NHS Direct to find out if something was urgent. Worth calling I think.

Look, nosebleeds are not a sign of a serious head injury. Vomiting usually comes first - and even then it doesn't usually mean serious HI. Altered consciousness is another sign, & it sounds like he'z been fully awake & lucid. Nosebleeds are common, and if they stop by themselves (even if he's having several in a cluster) & he's otherwise having a normal night, I wouldn't sweat it, NHS direct are bound to tell you to take him to A&E where, after a long wait, the nosebleed will have stopped & they'll send him home. Skip that bit & only go to A& E if nosebleed won't stop (after 20-30 mins or so).

Walkacrossthesand, your post is exactly what I'm thinking, which is why I haven't taken him yet. Or waited on the line for NHS direct, as yes, they do nearly always send you to. A+E.
But, I have no medical knowledge, especially about nosebleeds. So I'm worried about making the wrong judgement.

I'd suggest a&e ASAP. Head injury with bleeding should get checked out IMO.

DH is on his way home, I'm going to see what he thinks. Thanks for the advice so far, it is appreciated.

Always seems to be the one child who causes me worry in this house!

How is he this morning?