Epistaxis

Anterior vs Posterior

Anterior bleeding is due to a visible source and posterior ones come from deeper structures

Risk

Occur in older patients and have a risk of aspiration and airway compromise

Causes

Usually benign and self limiting, can be caused by trauma, foreign bodies, bleeding disorders, angiofibroma, cocaine use, haemorrhagic telangiectasis, granulomatosis w polyangiitis

Management when patient is haemodynamically stable

Tell patient to sit forward, pinch the soft part of their nose and open their mouth (avoids aspiration) for 20 minutes

If bleeding doesn't stop

Consider cautery and packing