Epistaxis - Etiopathological Evaluation and its Management

Abstract

Background: Epistaxis, or bleeding from the nose, is a common complaint. It is rarely life threatening but may cause significant concern, especially among parents of small children. Aim: To study the various etiopathology of epistaxis and to assess the various modalities of management of epistaxis. Methods: 100 cases of epistaxis were included in the study. Initial assessment included hemodynamic status, type and severity of bleeding. All patients were treated conservatively initially and surgical intervention was considered only when conservative means failed to control the epistaxis. Results: 19% of cases are nasal deviated septum and 17% cases are Upper respiratory infection in the final diagnosis. In 58% of cases the onset was spontaneous and in 25% of cases the occurrence of bleeding was after injury to nose. The modality of treatment given to 57 cases was medical (non-surgical) and the remaining 43 cases were managed by combined (medical and surgical) modality. Conclusion: When medical attention is needed, it is usually because of either the recurrent or severe nature of the problem. Treatment depends on the clinical picture, the experience of the treating physician, and the availability of ancillary services.