AUTHOR AND EDITOR INFORMATION

Section 1 of 10  

• Authors and Editors
• Introduction
• Clinical
• Differentials
• Workup
• Treatment
• Medication
• Follow-up
• Miscellaneous
• References

INTRODUCTION

Section 2 of 10  

• Authors and Editors
• Introduction
• Clinical
• Differentials
• Workup
• Treatment
• Medication
• Follow-up
• Miscellaneous
• References

Background

Epistaxis is defined as acute hemorrhage from the nostril, nasal cavity, or nasopharynx. It is a frequent ED complaint and often causes significant anxiety in patients and clinicians. However, more than 90% of patients who present to the ED with epistaxis may be successfully treated by an emergency physician (EP).

Pathophysiology

Epistaxis is classified on the basis of the primary bleeding site as anterior or posterior. Hemorrhage is most commonly anterior, originating from the nasal septum. A common source of anterior epistaxis is the Kiesselbach plexus, an anastomotic network of vessels on the anterior portion of the nasal septum. Anterior bleeding may also originate anterior to the inferior turbinate. Posterior hemorrhage originates from branches of the sphenopalatine artery in the posterior nasal cavity or nasopharynx.

Frequency

United States

Epistaxis occurs in 1 of every 7 people.

Mortality/Morbidity

• Mortality is rare and is usually due to complications from hypovolemia, with severe hemorrhage or underlying disease states.
• Increased morbidity is associated with nasal packing. Posterior packing can potentially cause airway compromise and respiratory depression. Packing in any location may lead to infection.

Sex

• No sex predilection exists.

Age

• Bimodal incidence exists, with peaks in those aged 2-10 years and 50-80 years.

CLINICAL

Section 3 of 10  

• Authors and Editors
• Introduction
• Clinical
• Differentials
• Workup
• Treatment
• Medication
• Follow-up
• Miscellaneous
• References

History

• Controlling significant bleeding or hemodynamic instability should take precedence over obtaining a lengthy history.
• Note the duration of the hemorrhage and the side of initial bleeding.
• Inquire about previous epistaxis, hypertension, hepatic or other systemic disease, easy bruising, or prolonged bleeding after minor surgical procedures. Recurrent episodes of epistaxis, even if self-limited, should raise suspicion for significant nasal pathology.
• Use of medications, especially aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), warfarin, heparin, ticlopidine, and dipyridamole should be documented, as these not only predispose to epistaxis but make treatment more difficult.
• Nausea is a possible symptom.

Physical

• Approximately 90% of nosebleeds can be visualized in the anterior portion of the nasal cavity.
• Massive epistaxis may be confused with hemoptysis or hematemesis. Blood dripping from the posterior nasopharynx confirms a nasal source.
• Perform a thorough and methodical examination of the nasal cavity.
• • Blowing the nose decreases the effects of local fibrinolysis and removes clots, permitting a better examination. Application of a vasoconstrictor prior to the examination may reduce hemorrhage and help to pinpoint the precise bleeding site. Topical application of a local anesthetic reduces pain associated with the examination and nasal packing.
  • Gently insert a nasal speculum and spread the naris vertically. This permits visualization of most anterior bleeding sources.
• A posterior source is suggested by failure to visualize an anterior source, by hemorrhage from both nares, and by visualization of blood draining in the posterior pharynx.

Causes

• Most cases of epistaxis do not have an easily identifiable cause.
• Local trauma (ie, nose picking) is the most common cause, followed by facial trauma, foreign bodies, nasal or sinus infections, and prolonged inhalation of dry air. A disturbance of normal nasal airflow, as occurs in a deviated nasal septum, may also be a cause of epistaxis.
• Iatrogenic causes include nasogastric and nasotracheal intubation.
• Children usually present with epistaxis due to local irritation or recent upper respiratory infection (URI).
• Oral anticoagulants and coagulopathy due to splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, platelet disorders, or AIDS-related conditions predispose to epistaxis.
• The relationship between hypertension and epistaxis is implicated. Epistaxis is more common in hypertensive patients, and patients are more likely to be acutely hypertensive during an episode of epistaxis. Hypertension, however, is rarely a direct cause of epistaxis, and therapy should be focused on controlling hemorrhage before blood pressure reduction.
• Epistaxis is more prevalent in dry climates and during cold weather.
• Vascular abnormalities that contribute to epistaxis may include the following:
• • Sclerotic vessels
  • Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
  • Arteriovenous malformation
  • Neoplasm
  • Septal perforation, deviation
  • Endometriosis

DIFFERENTIALS

Section 4 of 10  

• Authors and Editors
• Introduction
• Clinical
• Differentials
• Workup
• Treatment
• Medication
• Follow-up
• Miscellaneous
• References

Other Problems to be Considered

Chemical irritants
Hepatic failure
Leukemia
Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome
Rhinitis
Thrombocytopenia
Heparin toxicity
Ticlopidine toxicity
Dipyridamole toxicity
Trauma
Tumor

WORKUP

Section 5 of 10  

• Authors and Editors
• Introduction
• Clinical
• Differentials
• Workup
• Treatment
• Medication
• Follow-up
• Miscellaneous
• References

Lab Studies

• The following laboratory studies are recommended in the presence of major bleeding or if a coagulopathy is suspected:
• • Obtain a hematocrit count and type and cross if a history of persistent heavy bleeding is present.
  • Obtain a complete blood count (CBC) if a history of recurrent epistaxis, a platelet disorder, or neoplasia is present.
  • The bleeding time is an excellent screening test if suspicion of a bleeding disorder is present.
  • Obtain the international normalized ratio (INR)/prothrombin time (PT) if the patient is taking warfarin or if liver disease is suspected.

Imaging Studies

• Sinus films are rarely indicated.

Other Tests

• CT scanning and/or nasopharyngoscopy may be performed if a tumor is the suspected cause of bleeding.
• Angiography is rarely indicated.

TREATMENT

Section 6 of 10  

• Authors and Editors
• Introduction
• Clinical
• Differentials
• Workup
• Treatment
• Medication
• Follow-up
• Miscellaneous
• References

Emergency Department Care

• Upon initial arrival to the ED, patients should be instructed to grasp and pinch their entire nose, maintaining continuous pressure for at least 10 minutes.
• Gowns, gloves, and protective eyewear should be worn. Adequate light is best provided by a headlamp with an adjustable narrow beam. Patients should be positioned comfortably in a seated position, holding a basin under their chin.
• As always, first address the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs). Severe epistaxis may require endotracheal intubation. Rapid control of massive bleeding is best secured with an epistaxis balloon or Foley catheter, as outlined below.
• Patients with significant hemorrhage should receive an IV line and crystalloid infusion, as well as continuous cardiac monitoring and pulse oximetry. Patients frequently present with an elevated blood pressure; however, a significant reduction can usually be obtained with analgesia and mild sedation alone. Specific antihypertensive therapy is rarely required and should be avoided in the setting of significant hemorrhage.
• Insert pledgets soaked with an anesthetic-vasoconstrictor solution into the nasal cavity to anesthetize and shrink nasal mucosa. Soak pledgets in 4% topical cocaine solution or a solution of 4% lidocaine and topical epinephrine (1:10,000) and place them into the nasal cavity. Allow them to remain in place for 10-15 minutes.
• If a bleeding point is easily identified, gentle chemical cautery may be performed after the application of adequate topical anesthesia. The tip of a silver nitrate stick is rolled over mucosa until a grey eschar forms. To avoid septal necrosis or perforation, only one side of the septum should be cauterized at a time. To be effective, cautery should be performed after bleeding is controlled.
• If attempts to control hemorrhage with pressure or cautery fail, the nose should be packed. Options include traditional nasal packing, a prefabricated nasal sponge, or an epistaxis balloon.
• • Traditional (Vaseline gauze) packing: This traditional method of anterior nasal packing has been supplanted by readily available and more easily placed tampon and balloons. It is commonly performed incorrectly, using an insufficient amount of packing placed primarily in the anterior naris. Placed in this way, the gauze serves as a plug rather than as a hemostatic pack. Physicians inexperienced in proper placement of a gauze pack should use a nasal tampon or balloon. The proper technique for placement of a gauze pack is as follows:
    1. Grasp the gauze ribbon, about 6 inches from its end, with bayonet forceps. Place it in the nasal cavity as far back as possible, ensuring that the free end protrudes from the nose. On the first pass, the gauze is pressed onto the floor of nasopharynx with closed bayonets.
    2. Next, grasp the ribbon about 4-5 inches from the nasal alae and reposition the nasal speculum so that the lower blade holds the ribbon against lower border of nasal alae. Bring a second strip into the nose and press downward.
    3. Continue this process, layering the gauze from inferior to superior until the naris is completely packed. Both ends of ribbon must protrude from the naris and should be secured with tape. If this does not stop the bleeding, consider bilateral nasal packing.
  • Compressed sponge (Merocel): Trim the sponge to fit snugly through the naris. Moisten the tip with surgical lubricant or topical antibiotic ointment. Firmly grasp the length of the sponge with bayonet forceps, spread the naris vertically with a nasal speculum, and advance the sponge along the floor of the nasal cavity. Once wet with blood or a small amount of saline, the sponge expands to fill the nasal cavity and tamponade bleeding.
  • Anterior epistaxis balloons (RapidRhino): Anterior epistaxis balloons are available in different lengths but have only one chamber. A carboxycellulose outer layer promotes platelet aggregation. The balloons are as efficacious as nasal tampons with superior ease and patient comfort on insertion and removal. To insert, soak the knit outer layer of the balloon with water, insert along the floor of the nasal cavity, and inflate slowly with air until the bleeding stops.
  • Posterior epistaxis balloons: Posterior epistaxis balloons generally have separate anterior and posterior balloons.
  • • After passing the posterior balloon through the naris and into the posterior nasal cavity, inflate it with 4-5 mL of sterile water and gently pull it forward to fit snugly in the posterior choana. After bleeding into the posterior pharynx has been controlled, fill the anterior balloon with sterile water until the bleeding completely stops.
    • Avoid overinflation because pressure necrosis or damage to the septum may result. Record the amount of fluid placed in each balloon.
    • If a Foley catheter is used, place a 12-16F catheter with a 30-cc balloon into the nose along the floor of the nasopharynx, until the tip is visible in the posterior pharynx.
    • Slowly inflate the balloon with 15 mL of sterile water, pull it anteriorly until it firmly sets against the posterior choanae, and secure it in place with an umbilical clamp. Use a buttress clamp with cotton gauze to avoid pressure necrosis on the nasal alae or columella. Finally, an anterior nasal pack should be placed.

Consultations

Epistaxis that requires posterior packing should be managed in cooperation with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Because of multiple possible complications, admission is required, usually in a monitored setting.

MEDICATION

Section 7 of 10  

• Authors and Editors
• Introduction
• Clinical
• Differentials
• Workup
• Treatment
• Medication
• Follow-up
• Miscellaneous
• References

Patients discharged from the hospital with anterior packing should receive follow-up care with an ENT specialist within 48-72 h. Nasal packing prevents drainage of sinuses. Consider placing patients on a broad-spectrum antibiotic to cover all likely pathogens in the context of the clinical setting.

Oral analgesics should be prescribed to assure quality patient care.

Drug Category: Antibiotics

Therapy must cover all likely pathogens in the context of the clinical setting. Consider giving patients a penicillin or first-generation cephalosporin.

Drug Category: Analgesics

Pain control is essential to quality patient care. It ensures patient comfort, promotes pulmonary toilet, and enables physical therapy regimens. Most analgesics have sedating properties, which are beneficial for patients who have painful skin lesions. Avoid NSAIDs and aspirin.

FOLLOW-UP

Section 8 of 10  

• Authors and Editors
• Introduction
• Clinical
• Differentials
• Workup
• Treatment
• Medication
• Follow-up
• Miscellaneous
• References

Further Inpatient Care

• Admit patients with posterior packing. Elderly patients or patients with cardiac disorders or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should receive supplemental oxygen and be admitted to a monitored setting.
• Significant or uncontrolled bleeding from a posterior site may require operative management. At most centers, selective arterial embolization has become the treatment of choice for severe epistaxis.

Further Outpatient Care

• Patients discharged with anterior packing should receive follow-up care with an ENT specialist within 48-72 hours. Nasal packing increases the risk of sinusitis or toxic shock syndrome.
• Patients discharged with nasal packing should be prescribed a penicillin or first-generation cephalosporin. Oral analgesics should also be prescribed.
• Advise patients to avoid aspirin, aspirin-containing products, and NSAIDs.
• Patients who take warfarin may generally continue their current regimen unchanged. Temporary discontinuation of warfarin or active reversal of coagulopathy is indicated only in cases of uncontrolled hemorrhage and supratherapeutic INR.
• Give patients specific written follow-up instructions.

Complications

• Sinusitis
• Septal hematoma/perforation
• External nasal deformity
• Mucosal pressure necrosis
• Vasovagal episode
• Balloon migration
• Aspiration

Prognosis

• With proper treatment, prognosis is excellent.

Patient Education

• For rebleeding or future nosebleeds, patients should be instructed to firmly pinch their entire nose for 10-15 minutes. Ice packs do not help.
• For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Ears, Nose, and Throat Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education article Nosebleeds.

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 9 of 10  

• Authors and Editors
• Introduction
• Clinical
• Differentials
• Workup
• Treatment
• Medication
• Follow-up
• Miscellaneous
• References

Medical/Legal Pitfalls

• Posterior nasal packing is particularly uncomfortable for the patient and promotes hypoxia and hypoventilation. Failure to admit and appropriately monitor all patients who require posterior packing may result in significant mortality.
• Attempts at nasal packing may result in significant slowing but not cessation of hemorrhage. Failure to completely control hemorrhage is an absolute indication for consultation with an ENT specialist in the ED.
• Nasal packing can lead to serious infection. Patients discharged with anterior nasal packs should be started on oral antibiotics.
• Tumors or other serious pathology are infrequent causes of epistaxis. However, all patients who present with epistaxis should have follow-up care arranged with an ENT specialist for a complete nasopharyngeal examination.

REFERENCES

Section 10 of 10

• Authors and Editors
• Introduction
• Clinical
• Differentials
• Workup
• Treatment
• Medication
• Follow-up
• Miscellaneous
• References

• Badran K, Malik TH, Belloso A, Timms MS. Randomized controlled trial comparing Merocel and RapidRhino packing in the management of anterior epistaxis. Clin Otolaryngol. Aug 2005;30(4):333-7. [Medline].
• Cassisi NJ, Biller HF, Ogura JH. Changes in arterial oxygen tension and pulmonary mechanics with the use of posterior packing in epistaxis: a preliminary report. Laryngoscope. Aug 1971;81(8):1261-6. [Medline].
• Choudhury N, Sharp HR, Mir N, Salama NY. Epistaxis and oral anticoagulant therapy. Rhinology. Jun 2004;42(2):92-7. [Medline].
• Cook PR, Renner G, Williams F. A comparison of nasal balloons and posterior gauze packs for posterior epistaxis. Ear Nose Throat J. Sep 1985;64(9):446-9. [Medline].
• Corbridge RJ, Djazaeri B, Hellier WP, Hadley J. A prospective randomized controlled trial comparing the use of merocel nasal tampons and BIPP in the control of acute epistaxis. Clin Otolaryngol Allied Sci. Aug 1995;20(4):305-7. [Medline].
• Douglas R, Wormald PJ. Update on epistaxis. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Jun 2007;15(3):180-3. [Medline].
• Fairbanks DN. Complications of nasal packing. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Mar 1986;94(3):412-5. [Medline].
• Fuchs FD, Moreira LB, Pires CP, et al. Absence of association between hypertension and epistaxis: a population-based study. Blood Press. 2003;12(3):145-8. [Medline].
• Guarisco JL, Graham HD 3d. Epistaxis in children: causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Ear Nose Throat J. Jul 1989;68(7):522, 528-30, 532 passim. [Medline].
• Hashmi SM, Gopaul SR, Prinsley PR, Sansom JR. Swallowed nasal pack: a rare but serious complication of the management of epistaxis. J Laryngol Otol. May 2004;118(5):372-3. [Medline].
• Herkner H, Havel C, Mullner M. Active epistaxis at ED presentation is associated with arterial hypertension. Am J Emerg Med. Mar 2002;20(2):92-5. [Medline].
• Karras DJ, Ufberg JW, Harrigan RA, et al. Lack of relationship between hypertension-associated symptoms and blood pressure in hypertensive ED patients. Am J Emerg Med. Mar 2005;23(2):106-10. [Medline].
• Keen MS, Moran WJ. Control of epistaxis in the multiple trauma patient. Laryngoscope. Jul 1985;95(7 Pt 1):874-5. [Medline].
• Larsen K, Juul A. Arterial blood gases and pneumatic nasal packing in epistaxis. Laryngoscope. May 1982;92(5):586-8. [Medline].
• Pope LE, Hobbs CG. Epistaxis: an update on current management. Postgrad Med J. May 2005;81(955):309-14. [Medline].
• Singer AJ, Blanda M, Cronin K, et al. Comparison of nasal tampons for the treatment of epistaxis in the emergency department: a randomized controlled trial. Ann Emerg Med. Feb 2005;45(2):134-9. [Medline].
• Teymoortash A, Sesterhenn A, Kress R, et al. Efficacy of ice packs in the management of epistaxis. Clin Otolaryngol Allied Sci. Dec 2003;28(6):545-7. [Medline].
• Van Wyk FC, Massey S, Worley G, Brady S. Do all epistaxis patients with a nasal pack need admission? A retrospective study of 116 patients managed in accident and emergency according to a peer reviewed protocol. J Laryngol Otol. Mar 2007;121(3):222-7. [Medline].
• Viducich RA, Blanda MP, Gerson LW. Posterior epistaxis: clinical features and acute complications. Ann Emerg Med. May 1995;25(5):592-6. [Medline].

Article Last Updated: Nov 28, 2007