Epistaxis Flashcards
1
Q
Why is epistaxis common?
A
Nose has a blood supply from internal and external carotid artery
Little’s area lies on the anterior septum where a number of vessels anastomose
2
Q
What can locally cause epistaxis?
A
Idiopathic Trauma Foreign bodies Inflammation Tumour
3
Q
What systemic causes can cause epistaxis?
A
Drugs - warfarin, aspirin Clotting abnormalities Liver disease Haemophilia Leukemia Thrombocytopenia Arteriosclerosis Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia - osler weber rendu Systemic inflammatory conditions GPA Hypertension
4
Q
How is epistaxis treated?
A
ABCDE Consider blood loss, hypovolaemia, shock External pressure to nose Ice Cautery Nasal packing Sphenopalatine artery ligation Maxillary artery ligation Anterior ethmoidal artery ligation External carotid artery ligation Reversal of anticoagulants Platelet transfusion Treatment of hypertension
