Epistaxis Flashcards
1
Q
what is it?
A
nosebleed
nose is a very large vascular organ bleeding can be secondary to incredible heating/humidification requirements
2
Q
how common is it?
A
very common but only 1% of those who come to the hospital will need a specialist
3
Q
who gets it?
A
idiopathic
trauma - foreign bodies, nose-picking and nasal fractures
iatrogenic - surgery, intranasal steroids
neoplasm - nasal, paranasal sinus and nasopharyngeal tumours
4
Q
What are the first aid measures?
A
local treatment externa pressure to nose ice cautery nasal packing leaning the patient forward
5
Q
how is it managed?
A
resuscitate the patient if necessary arrest/slow flow - pressure, ice, topical vasoconstrictor +/- LA (lignocaine and adrenaline, co-phenylcaine) remove clot - suction or nose-blowing anterior rhinoscopy cautery/pack 30 degree rigid nasendoscopy cauterise vessel: silver nitrate/ diathermy don't sedate
6
Q
what is the systemic management?
A
reversal of effect of anticoagulants - may take time in case of antiplatelet agents
correction of any clotting abnormalities
platelet transfusion
treatment of hypertension
