Epistaxis: Inleiding en beheer

Epistaxis, or a nosebleed, is caused by the rupture of small, distended vessels in the mucous membrane of any nose area.

Possible causes include trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, overuse of decongestant sprays, nasal surgery, and anatomic malformation.

Epistaxis management depends on its cause and bleeding site.

Make the patient sit upright with the head leaned forward to prevent blood aspiration.

Apply pressure by pinching the nose against the midline septum for 5-10 minutes.

Additionally, nasal decongestant sprays like phenylephrine, which act as vasoconstrictors, can be administered.

If these measures are ineffective, identify the bleeding site, chemically cauterize with silver nitrate, or use thermal cauterization for severe bleeding.

Posterior nasal bleed requires packing, which includes compressed nasal sponges or epistaxis balloons.

Once the bleeding is controlled, advise the patient to avoid forceful nose blowing, straining, intense exercise, nose picking, and smoking to prevent rebleeding.