Epistaxis is a medical condition characterized by bleeding from the nose. It is usually not serious, but in some cases, it can be life-threatening. If you have experienced a nosebleed, you should seek immediate care from your doctor.
Epistaxis is caused by a variety of factors. One of the most common causes is trauma to the nose. However, it can also be caused by infection, inflammation, or a fracture. These can occur from anywhere in the nose.
Other factors that can cause epistaxis include a coagulation disorder or a vascular malformation. The nose is a highly blood-rich part of the body. This is why nosebleeds are so common. People often think that they are simply a sign of a cold, but they can be very serious.
A patient with recurring nosebleeds should be checked for a clotting disorder. If he has a clotting disorder, he may bruise easily, feel dizzy, and experience breathing problems. He might also have blood in his urine. Some patients may require a transfusion of platelets or have a planned cautery.
In cases of recurrent nosebleeds, patients are advised to avoid medication that can impair clotting. For example, alcohol consumption and chronic use of aspirin are known to decrease the clotting rate. Additionally, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can prolong the onset of nasal bleeding.
During an examination, the doctor might ask a series of questions regarding a history of recent trauma or injury. He might also take an x-ray of the nose to see if a ruptured blood vessel has occurred. He might also order lab tests to check for a coagulation disorder, a vascular malformation, or a neoplasm.
Patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) have a lifelong proclivity for nosebleeds. HHT is an autosomal dominant condition. Therefore, it is more likely that a person with HHT will develop epistaxis than others. Usually, patients with HHT will have a family history of the disease.
Epistaxis can be triggered by a number of factors, including trauma to the nose, a neoplasm, or a clotting disorder. In addition, some patients may suffer from a condition called a granulomatous disease.
Generally, the majority of cases of epistaxis will stop on their own. However, in cases of recurrent bleeding, the patient should be examined by an ENT physician. There are various methods of treatment, but mainly, the aim is to minimize the occurrence of the epistaxis.
If the patient is young, simple, and effective preventive measures, such as saline nasal sprays, can help. Older patients might be referred to an intensive care unit for observation, especially in the case of recurrent bleeding.
A detailed case history is helpful in making a diagnosis. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and treatment varies as well. Prevention is particularly important. Use of a humidifier to keep the air moist is often recommended. Medications such as aspirin and warfarin are frequently linked to epistaxis.
Although epistaxis is not fatal, it can be dangerous if it occurs from the anterior nasal septum or Kiesselbach’s plexus. The plexus is a watershed area of five veins located on the anterior nasal septum.
