Nose Bleeds (Epistaxis)

What causes nose bleeds (Epistaxis)?

Epistaxis is a common condition in children and adults. Frequently epistaxis is caused by trauma, nasal scratching/picking or temperature change. Epistaxis is more likely to occur in patients with known bleeding disorders, patients who require blood thinners (anticoagulants) or patients who have poorly controlled high blood pressure. Rarely, epistaxis can be due to a cancer in the nose and in adolescent males, epistaxis can be due to a benign vascular nasal tumour.

What are the symptoms of nose bleeds (Epistaxis)?

Nose bleeds can occur on one (or both) sides of the nose. Typically bleeding either commences at the front (anterior) or back (posterior) part of the nasal septum.  These sites represent a confluence of blood vessels and are more prone to bleeds.

How do you treat nose bleeds (Epistaxis)?

In-office nasendoscopy is used to identify the site of bleeding. After topical anaesthesia is applied to the area, Silver Nitrate is used to cauterise the bleeding point. Uncommonly, the bleeding site needs to be re-cauterised if bleeding continues to occur in the proceeding days or weeks.

Surgery may be used when bleeding cannot be controlled in-office or if the bleeding is due to a more complex condition.