Premium Nahrungsergänzungsmittel | artgerecht

Epistaxis – Nosebleed: Causes and Treatment

Epistaxis is the medical term for a nosebleed. It is a very common condition that is usually harmless but can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying condition.

Regular tips about health Regular tips about health

Things worth knowing about "Epistaxis"

Epistaxis is the medical term for a nosebleed. It is a very common condition that is usually harmless but can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying condition.

What is Epistaxis?

Epistaxis is the medical term for a nosebleed, referring to bleeding from the blood vessels lining the nasal cavity. It is one of the most frequently encountered ENT (ear, nose, and throat) complaints and can affect people of all ages. While most nosebleeds are benign and self-limiting, some cases may indicate an underlying medical condition requiring further evaluation.

Causes

Epistaxis can be caused by a wide range of local and systemic factors:

Local Causes

Dry nasal mucosa due to low humidity or cold air
Nose picking or forceful blowing of the nose
Upper respiratory tract infections and colds
Foreign bodies in the nasal cavity (particularly in children)
Nasal trauma or injury
Deviated nasal septum
Nasal polyps or tumors

Systemic Causes

High blood pressure (hypertension)
Blood clotting disorders such as hemophilia or thrombocytopenia
Use of anticoagulant medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin)
Liver or kidney disease
Hereditary conditions such as Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT)

Symptoms

The primary symptom of epistaxis is bleeding from one or both nostrils. Depending on the location of the bleeding source, it is classified as:

Anterior epistaxis: Blood flows forward and out of the nostril. This is the most common type and typically less severe.
Posterior epistaxis: Blood flows backward into the throat, which can be more serious and harder to control.

Additional symptoms may include a taste of blood in the mouth, nausea from swallowing blood, or dizziness in cases of significant blood loss.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of epistaxis is primarily clinical. A healthcare provider will perform a thorough examination to identify the bleeding source and any underlying causes. Diagnostic steps may include:

Medical history and physical examination
Blood pressure measurement
Laboratory tests including a complete blood count and coagulation studies
Nasal endoscopy for recurrent or severe cases

Treatment

Most nosebleeds can be managed at home with simple first-aid measures:

Sit upright and lean slightly forward (not backward) to prevent blood from flowing into the throat
Pinch the soft part of the nose firmly for 10 to 15 minutes
Apply a cold compress to the nose or back of the neck

For persistent or severe bleeding, medical intervention may be required, including:

Nasal packing: Insertion of gauze or special packing materials to apply pressure and stop the bleed
Chemical or electrical cauterization: Sealing of the bleeding vessel using silver nitrate or electrocautery
Topical hemostatic agents: Medications applied locally to aid clotting
Surgical intervention: In rare, severe cases, ligation or embolization of supplying blood vessels may be necessary

When to Seek Medical Attention

Medical attention should be sought in the following situations:

Bleeding does not stop after 20 to 30 minutes of first-aid measures
There is a large volume of blood loss
The nosebleed follows a head injury or trauma
The patient has a known bleeding disorder or is taking blood thinners
Nosebleeds recur frequently without an obvious cause

References

Schlosser RJ. Epistaxis. New England Journal of Medicine. 2009;360(8):784-789.
Thornton MA, Mahesh BN, Lang J. Epistaxis. BMJ Clinical Evidence. BMJ Publishing Group, 2015.
Tunkel DE et al. Clinical Practice Guideline: Nosebleed (Epistaxis). Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. 2020;162(1_suppl):S1-S38.

Building Blocks for a Healthy Life

As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.