Stop the Bleed! Acute Epistaxis Management

Authors

Christopher R. Cannell, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Emergency Medicine

Advisor

Elyse Watkins, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Epistaxis, the most common otologic emergency, is responsible for one in 200 emergency department (ED) visits in the United States (US) and one-third of otolaryngology visits.¹

Up to 60% of the population will experience epistaxis during their lifetime and 6% -10% will require medical intervention.^2,3 Epistaxis occurs in children and adults and has a seasonal variation. Although 85% of nosebleeds are idiopathic, they are more frequent in those on supplemental oxygen, anticoagulation, antiplatelet therapy, and in those with other conditions that may predispose them to bleed. Most clinicians will encounter patients with acute epistaxis and therefore it is vitally important to be educated on the etiology, prevention, and acute management. This CME article will review the new Clinical Practice Guidelines⁴ from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery regarding epistaxis and discuss newer therapies that have emerged.

Recommended Citation

Cannell CR. Stop the Bleed! Acute Epistaxis Management. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2022; 4(2).