Epistaxis Flashcards
What is epistaxis?
Epistaxis is bleeding from the nose
How common is epistaxis?
Epistaxis is a commonly-found complaint, especially in fields of emergency medicine related to the treatment of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions.
What is epistaxis caused by?
caused by damage to the blood vessels of the nasal mucosa.
Who is epistaxis most commonly found in?
Epistaxis more commonly occurs in children (ages 2–10) and older adults (ages 50–80)
How many types of epistaxis are there?
There are two types of epistaxis depending on their origin: anterior and posterior epistaxis.
What is anterior epistaxis?
Anterior epistaxis refers to a nosebleed that originates from the anterior (frontal) part of the nose.
Where does most of anterior epistaxis originate from?
. Most of the time, cases of anterior epistaxis originate from the Kiesselbach plexus, which is a vascular network found on the nasal septum, as these arteries can be easily traumatized.
Is anterior or posterior epistaxis more common?
Anterior
What is posterior epistaxis?
Posterior epistaxis refers to bleeding from the posterior or superior nasal cavity.
Where does posterior epistaxis usually originate from?
Most often, it originates from the Woodruff plexus, which is a vascular network found in the lateral wall of the nasal cavity.
Does posterior epistaxis usually involve one or both nostrils?
Posterior epistaxis usually involves both nostrils.
What is a complication with posterior epistaxis?
For these types of nosebleeds, the blood may also flow backwards and uncomfortably get swallowed or coughed up (hemoptysis).
What are the 4 categories of causes for epistaxis?
- Local
- Systemic
- Environmental
- Medication
What are some examples of local causes of epistaxis?
- Local trauma (Nose-picking)
- A foreign body in the nose
- Anatomic irregularities ( Deviated septum)
- Facial trauma
- incorrect or excessive use of topical nasal sprays
- Inflammatory reactions
- Rarely intranasal tumours
- Smoking and snorting illicit drugs
What are some examples of systemic causes of epistaxis?
- High BP
- Vascular malformations
- cardiovascular diseases
- Bleeding disorders such as von Willebrand disease and hemophilia A and B
- Heavy alcohol consumption (Disrupts normal blood clotting activity and dilates superficial blood vessels)
What are some examples of environmental factors that cause epistaxis?
- Change in temperature or humidity (More prone to rupturing in cold and dry environments)
- Allergies (Excessive blowing of nose)