Epistaxis Flashcards
What is epistaxis?
Nosebleed
What are the types of epistaxis?
Anterior
Posterior
Where does bleeding come from in an anterior epistaxis?
Little’s area
What is Little’s area also known as?
Kesselbach’s plexus
Which arteries contribute to Little’s area?
Anterior ethmoidal Posterior ethmoidal Sphenopalatine Greater palatine Superior labial
Where does bleeding come from in a posterior epistaxis?
Posterior nasal cavity
Which artery contributes to a posterior epistaxis?
Branches of sphenopalatine arteries
What advice should be given to patients with epistaxis?
Sit up and forward
Pinch soft part of nose
Spit out (not swallow) blood
Ice packs
How can ice packs help epistaxis?
Vasoconstriction
How can epistaxis be managed medically?
Inspect septum with thudichum
Cauterise any vessels with silver nitrate
Adrenaline soaked gauze
How can epistaxis be managed if first line does not work?
Anterior packing
Treat any reversible causes
How can posterior epistaxis be detected?
Blood flowing down pharynx
How can posterior epistaxis be managed?
Posterior packing with a foley catheter
How can epistaxis be managed definitively?
Surgery
