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Epistaxis A.K.A. Nose Bleeds

02/07/2014

Are you having frequent nosebleeds?

Epistaxis, or bleeding from the nose, can arise from many different causes.

Bleeding can result from facial trauma, manual manipulation (putting your finger in your nose), dryness, deviated nasal septum, foreign body, inflammation, high blood pressure, bleeding disorders or other systemic disorders. Even certain medications can predispose you to nosebleeds.

It is important to know that in most cases, epistaxis is generally self-limited and rarely leads to complications. There are many steps that patients can follow to decrease the likelihood of epistaxis. These include use of a saline spray, avoid blowing the nose, sneeze with your mouth open, avoid digital manipulation (finger in nose), avoid spicy foods, avoid hot or prolonged showers, and avoid aspirin. Home treatment includes applying pressure to the nose for 10-15 minutes, use of an ice pack, practice deep relaxed breathing, and use of a topical vasoconstrictor. Sometimes even with these treatments, nosebleeds can be prolonged or frequently reoccur.

In this case, a patient may need to be cauterized. This is a procedure done in office to close off the blood vessel that may be causing the bleeding. If this does not improve the bleeding, packing may need to be placed inside the nose to maintain pressure on the blood vessel. This would require a nasal exam to determine the site of the bleeding, as well as check for infection and in children to make sure there is no foreign body. In children with profuse or recurrent bleeding, blood work may be recommended to make sure that there is no clotting disorder causing the bleed.

If you find yourself, or a family member with epistaxis, try these tips or make an appointment with our office today to find out more.

Visit us at www.coastalearnoseandthroat.com or call our office at 732.280.7855 to schedule an appointment today!

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