epistaxis - derriford edderriforded.weebly.com/.../material_for_sho_presentation_epistaxis.pdf ·...

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emedicine.medscape.com eMedicine Specialties > Emergency Medicine > Ear, Nose, & Throat Epistaxis Ola Bamimore, MD, Resident Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Kings County Hospital Center Mark A Silverberg, MD, FACEP, MMB, Assistant Professor, Assistant Residency Director, Department of Emergency Medicine, State University of New York Downstate College of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Department of Emergency Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital, Kings County Hospital, University Hospital, State University of New York Downstate at Brooklyn Updated: Jul 16, 2009 Introduction Background Epistaxis is defined as acute hemorrhage from the nostril, nasal cavity, or nasopharynx. It is a frequent ED complaint and often causes significant anxiety in patients and clinicians. However, more than 90% of patients who present to the ED with epistaxis may be successfully treated by an emergency physician (EP). Pathophysiology Epistaxis is classified on the basis of the primary bleeding site as anterior or posterior. Hemorrhage is most commonly anterior, originating from the nasal septum. A common source of anterior epistaxis is the Kiesselbach plexus, an anastomotic network of vessels on the anterior portion of the nasal septum, also referred to as Little's area. It receives blood supply from both the internal and external carotid arteries. [1 ] Anterior bleeding may also originate anterior to the inferior turbinate. Posterior hemorrhage originates from branches of the sphenopalatine artery in the posterior nasal cavity or nasopharynx. Frequency United States Data may be difficult to obtain on the true incidence of epistaxis due to the fact that not all cases are seen in the emergency department. [2 ] However, when multiple sources are reviewed, the lifelong incidence of epistaxis in the general population is about 60%, with less than 10% seeking medical attention. [1,3,2 ] Mortality/Morbidity Mortality is rare and is usually due to complications from hypovolemia, with severe hemorrhage or underlying disease states. Increased morbidity is associated with nasal packing. Posterior packing can potentially cause airway compromise and respiratory depression. Packing in any location may lead to infection. Sex No sex predilection exists for nosebleeds. Age Bimodal incidence exists, with peaks in those aged 2-10 years and 50-80 years. Clinical History Page 1 of 21 Epistaxis: [Print] - eMedicine Emergency Medicine 28/09/2010 http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/764719-print

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Page 1: Epistaxis - Derriford EDderriforded.weebly.com/.../material_for_sho_presentation_epistaxis.pdf · means of blood pressure reduction. Epistaxis is more prevalent in dry climates and

emedicine.medscape.com

eMedicine Specialties > Emergency Medicine > Ear, Nose, & Throat

Epistaxis Ola Bamimore, MD, Resident Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Kings County Hospital Center Mark A Silverberg, MD, FACEP, MMB, Assistant Professor, Assistant Residency Director, Department of Emergency Medicine, State University of New York Downstate College of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Department of Emergency Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital, Kings County Hospital, University Hospital, State University of New York Downstate at Brooklyn

Updated: Jul 16, 2009

Introduction

Background

Epistaxis is defined as acute hemorrhage from the nostril, nasal cavity, or nasopharynx. It is a frequent ED

complaint and often causes significant anxiety in patients and clinicians. However, more than 90% of patients who

present to the ED with epistaxis may be successfully treated by an emergency physician (EP).

Pathophysiology

Epistaxis is classified on the basis of the primary bleeding site as anterior or posterior. Hemorrhage is most

commonly anterior, originating from the nasal septum. A common source of anterior epistaxis is the Kiesselbach

plexus, an anastomotic network of vessels on the anterior portion of the nasal septum, also referred to as Little's

area. It receives blood supply from both the internal and external carotid arteries.[1 ]Anterior bleeding may also

originate anterior to the inferior turbinate. Posterior hemorrhage originates from branches of the sphenopalatine

artery in the posterior nasal cavity or nasopharynx.

Frequency

United States

Data may be difficult to obtain on the true incidence of epistaxis due to the fact that not all cases are seen in the

emergency department.[2 ] However, when multiple sources are reviewed, the lifelong incidence of epistaxis in the

general population is about 60%, with less than 10% seeking medical attention.[1,3,2 ]

Mortality/Morbidity

� Mortality is rare and is usually due to complications from hypovolemia, with severe hemorrhage or

underlying disease states.

� Increased morbidity is associated with nasal packing. Posterior packing can potentially cause airway

compromise and respiratory depression. Packing in any location may lead to infection.

Sex

� No sex predilection exists for nosebleeds.

Age

� Bimodal incidence exists, with peaks in those aged 2-10 years and 50-80 years.

Clinical

History

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� Controlling significant bleeding or hemodynamic instability should take precedence over obtaining a lengthy

history.

� Note the duration, severity of the hemorrhage, and the side of initial bleeding.

� Inquire about previous epistaxis, hypertension, hepatic or other systemic disease, family history, easy

bruising, or prolonged bleeding after minor surgical procedures. Recurrent episodes of epistaxis, even if

self-limited, should raise suspicion for significant nasal pathology.

� Use of medications, especially aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), warfarin, heparin,

ticlopidine, and dipyridamole should be documented, as these not only predispose to epistaxis but make

treatment more difficult.

Physical

� Approximately 90% of nosebleeds can be visualized in the anterior portion of the nasal cavity.

� Massive epistaxis may be confused with hemoptysis or hematemesis. Blood dripping from the posterior

nasopharynx confirms a nasal source.

� Perform a thorough and methodical examination of the nasal cavity.

� Blowing the nose decreases the effects of local fibrinolysis and removes clots, permitting a better

examination. Application of a vasoconstrictor prior to the examination may reduce hemorrhage and

help to pinpoint the precise bleeding site. Topical application of a local anesthetic reduces pain

associated with the examination and nasal packing.

� Gently insert a nasal speculum and spread the naris vertically. This permits visualization of most

anterior bleeding sources.

� A posterior source is suggested by failure to visualize an anterior source, by hemorrhage from both nares,

and by visualization of blood draining in the posterior pharynx.

Causes

� Most cases of epistaxis do not have an easily identifiable cause.

� Local trauma (ie, nose picking) is the most common cause, followed by facial trauma, foreign bodies, nasal

or sinus infections, and prolonged inhalation of dry air. A disturbance of normal nasal airflow, as occurs in a

deviated nasal septum, may also be a cause of epistaxis.

� Iatrogenic causes include nasogastric and nasotracheal intubation.

� Topical nasal drugs such as antihistamines and corticosteroids, especially when applied directly to the nasal

septum instead of the lateral walls, may cause mild epistaxis.

� Children usually present with epistaxis due to local irritation or recent upper respiratory infection (URI).

� Oral anticoagulants and coagulopathy due to splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, platelet disorders, liver

disease, renal failure, chronic alcohol use, or AIDS-related conditions predispose to epistaxis.

� Inherited coagulopathies such as von Willebrand disease, hemophilia A, and hemophilia B.[1 ]

� The relationship between hypertension and epistaxis is often misunderstood. Patients with epistaxis

commonly present with an elevated blood pressure. Epistaxis is more common in hypertensive patients

perhaps owing to vascular fragility from long-standing disease. Hypertension, however, is rarely a direct

cause of epistaxis. More commonly, epistaxis and the associated anxiety cause an acute elevation of blood

pressure. Therapy, therefore, should be focused on controlling hemorrhage and reducing anxiety as primary

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� Epistaxis is more prevalent in dry climates and during cold weather due to the dehumidification of the nasal

mucosa by home heating systems.

� Vascular abnormalities that contribute to epistaxis may include the following:

� Sclerotic vessels

� Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

� Arteriovenous malformation

� Neoplasm

� Aneurysms

� Septal perforation, deviation

� Endometriosis

Differential Diagnoses

Other Problems to Be Considered

Chemical irritants

Hepatic failure

Leukemia

Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome

Rhinitis

Thrombocytopenia

Heparin toxicity

Ticlopidine toxicity

Dipyridamole toxicity

Trauma

Tumor

Workup

Laboratory Studies

� Routine laboratory studies are rarely indicated or helpful for nosebleeds but are recommended in the

presence of major bleeding or if a coagulopathy is suspected.

� Obtain a hematocrit count and type and cross if a history of persistent heavy bleeding is present.

� Obtain a complete blood count (CBC) if a history of recurrent epistaxis, a platelet disorder, or

neoplasia is present.

� The bleeding time is an excellent screening test if suspicion of a bleeding disorder is present.

Barotrauma Toxicity, Cocaine

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Toxicity, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents

Endometriosis Toxicity, Rodenticide

Foreign Bodies, Nose Toxicity, Salicylate

Hemophilia, Type A Toxicity, Warfarin and Superwarfarins

Hemophilia, Type B von Willebrand Disease

Plant Poisoning, Glycosides - Coumarin

Sinusitis

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� Obtain the international normalized ratio (INR)/prothrombin time (PT) if the patient is taking warfarin

or if liver disease is suspected.

Imaging Studies

� Sinus films are rarely indicated for a nosebleed.

� CT scanning and/or nasopharyngoscopy may be performed if a tumor is the suspected cause of bleeding.

� Angiography is rarely indicated.

Treatment

Emergency Department Care

� As always, first address the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs). Rarely, severe epistaxis

may necessitate endotracheal intubation.

� Stable patients should be instructed to grasp and pinch their entire nose, maintaining continuous pressure

for at least 10 minutes. Make sure to compress the soft nose tissues against the nasal septum. Pinching the

hard, incompressible nasal bones will not aide hemorrhage control.

� Gowns, gloves, and protective eyewear should be worn. Adequate light is best provided by a headlamp with

an adjustable narrow beam. Patients should be positioned comfortably in a seated position, holding a basin

under their chin.

� Patients with significant hemorrhage should receive an IV line and crystalloid infusion, as well as continuous

cardiac monitoring and pulse oximetry. Patients frequently present with an elevated blood pressure;

however, a significant reduction can usually be obtained with analgesia and mild sedation alone. Specific

antihypertensive therapy is rarely required and should be avoided in the setting of significant hemorrhage.

� Insert pledgets soaked with an anesthetic-vasoconstrictor solution into the nasal cavity to anesthetize and

shrink nasal mucosa. Soak pledgets in 4% topical cocaine solution or a solution of 4% lidocaine and topical

epinephrine (1:10,000) and place them into the nasal cavity. Allow them to remain in place for 10-15

minutes.

� If a bleeding point is easily identified, gentle chemical cautery may be performed after the application of

adequate topical anesthesia. The tip of a silver nitrate stick is rolled over mucosa until a grey eschar forms.

To avoid septal necrosis or perforation, only one side of the septum should be cauterized at a time. To be

effective, cautery should be performed after bleeding is controlled. Thermal cautery using an electric cautery

device is reserved for more aggressive bleeding under local or general anesthesia.[1 ]

� If attempts to control hemorrhage with pressure or cautery fail, the nose should be packed. Options include

traditional nasal packing, a prefabricated nasal sponge, an epistaxis balloon, or absorbable materials.

� Traditional (Vaseline gauze) packing: This traditional method of anterior nasal packing has been

supplanted by readily available and more easily placed tampons and balloons. It is commonly

performed incorrectly, using an insufficient amount of packing placed primarily in the anterior naris.

Placed in this way, the gauze serves as a plug rather than as a hemostatic pack. Physicians

inexperienced in proper placement of a gauze pack should use a nasal tampon or balloon. The

proper technique for placement of a gauze pack is as follows:

1. Grasp the gauze ribbon, about 6 inches from its end, with bayonet forceps. Place it in the

nasal cavity as far back as possible, ensuring that the free end protrudes from the nose. On

the first pass, the gauze is pressed onto the floor of nasopharynx with closed bayonets.

2. Next, grasp the ribbon about 4-5 inches from the nasal alae and reposition the nasal

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speculum so that the lower blade holds the ribbon against lower border of nasal alae. Bring a

second strip into the nose and press downward.

3. Continue this process, layering the gauze from inferior to superior until the naris is completely

packed. Both ends of ribbon must protrude from the naris and should be secured with tape. If

this does not stop the bleeding, consider bilateral nasal packing.

� Compressed sponge (Merocel): Trim the sponge to fit snugly through the naris. Moisten the tip with

surgical lubricant or topical antibiotic ointment. Firmly grasp the length of the sponge with bayonet

forceps, spread the naris vertically with a nasal speculum, and advance the sponge along the floor of

the nasal cavity. Once wet with blood or a small amount of saline, the sponge expands to fill the

nasal cavity and tamponade bleeding. See Media files 1 and 2.

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Compressed sponge - Merocel.

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Merocel placed in left nostril for anterior packing.

� Anterior epistaxis balloons (Rapid Rhino): Anterior epistaxis balloons are available in different

lengths. A carboxycellulose outer layer promotes platelet aggregation. The balloons are as

efficacious as nasal tampons with superior ease and patient comfort on insertion and removal. To

insert, soak the knit outer layer of the balloon with water, insert along the floor of the nasal cavity,

and inflate slowly with air until the bleeding stops. See Media files 3 and 4.

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Rapid Rhino - 5.5 cm for anterior nasal packing.

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Rapid Rhino bilateral - 7.5 cm for anterior/posterior nasal packing.

� Absorbable materials such as oxidized cellulose (Surgicel), gelatin foam (Gelfoam), and gelatin and

thrombin combination (FloSeal) are suitable alternatives to nasal packing for anterior bleeds. They

directly tamponade bleeding sites, increase clot formation, and protect the nasal mucosa from

desiccation or further trauma. They are easy to use, comfortable, and conform to the irregularity of

the nasal contours.[2,4 ]

� Posterior epistaxis balloons: Posterior epistaxis balloons generally have separate anterior and

posterior balloons.

� After passing the posterior balloon through the naris and into the posterior nasal cavity, inflate

it with 4-5 mL of sterile water and gently pull it forward to fit snugly in the posterior choana.

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After bleeding into the posterior pharynx has been controlled, fill the anterior balloon with

sterile water until the bleeding completely stops.

� Avoid overinflation because pressure necrosis or damage to the septum may result. Record

the amount of fluid placed in each balloon.

� If a Foley catheter is used, place a 12-16F catheter with a 30-mL balloon into the nose along

the floor of the nasopharynx, until the tip is visible in the posterior pharynx.

� Slowly inflate the balloon with 15 mL of sterile water, pull it anteriorly until it firmly sets against

the posterior choanae, and secure it in place with an umbilical clamp. Use a buttress clamp

with cotton gauze to avoid pressure necrosis on the nasal alae or columella. Finally, an

anterior nasal pack should be placed.

� For additional information, see Nasal Pack, Anterior Epistaxis and Nasal Pack, Posterior Epistaxis.

Consultations

Epistaxis that requires posterior packing should be managed in cooperation with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT)

specialist. Because of multiple possible complications, admission is required, usually in a monitored setting.

Consultation with a hematologist is indicated for patients with bleeding dyscrasias or coagulopathies.

Medication

Patients discharged from the hospital with anterior packing should receive follow-up care with an ENT specialist

within 48-72 h. Nasal packing prevents drainage of sinuses. Consider placing patients on a broad-spectrum

antibiotic to cover all likely pathogens in the context of the clinical setting.

Oral analgesics should be prescribed to assure quality patient care.

Antibiotics

Consider giving patients a penicillin or first-generation cephalosporin.

Amoxicillin (Biomox, Trimox)

Treats infections caused by susceptible organisms and used as prophylaxis in minor procedures.

Dosing

Adult

250-500 mg PO q8h; not to exceed 3 g/d

Pediatric

20-50 mg/kg/d PO q8h

Interactions

Reduces the efficacy of oral contraceptives

Contraindications

Documented hypersensitivity

Precautions

Pregnancy

B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals

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Precautions

Adjust dose in renal impairment

Cephalexin (Keflex)

First-generation cephalosporin, which is primarily active against skin flora. Used for skin structure coverage and as

prophylaxis in minor procedures.

Dosing

Adult

250-1000 mg PO q6h; not to exceed 4 g/d

Pediatric

25-50 mg/kg/d PO q6h; not to exceed 3 g/d

Interactions

Coadministration with aminoglycosides increases nephrotoxic potential

Contraindications

Documented hypersensitivity

Precautions

Pregnancy

B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals

Precautions

Adjust dose in renal impairment

Analgesics

Pain control is essential to quality patient care. It ensures patient comfort, promotes pulmonary toilet, and enables

physical therapy regimens. Most analgesics have sedating properties, which are beneficial for patients who have

painful skin lesions. Avoid NSAIDs and aspirin.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Aspirin Free Anacin, Feverall)

DOC for treating pain in documented hypersensitivity to aspirin, upper GI disease, or concurrent administration of

oral anticoagulants.

Dosing

Adult

325-650 mg PO q4-6h or 1000 mg PO tid/qid; not to exceed 4 g/d

Pediatric

<12 years: 10-15 mg/kg/dose PO q4-6h prn; not to exceed 2.6 g/d

>12 years: 650 mg PO q4h; not to exceed 5 doses in 24 h

Interactions

Rifampin can reduce analgesic effects; coadministration with barbiturates, carbamazepine, hydantoins, and

isoniazid may increase hepatotoxicity

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Contraindications

Documented hypersensitivity

Precautions

Pregnancy

B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals

Precautions

Hepatotoxicity possible in chronic alcoholism following various dose levels; severe or recurrent pain or high or

continued fever may indicate a serious illness; contained in many OTC products, and combined use with these

products may result in cumulative doses exceeding recommended maximum dose

Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen (Vicodin ES)

For the relief of moderate to severe pain.

Dosing

Adult

1-2 tab or cap PO q4-6h prn for pain

Pediatric

<12 years: Based on acetaminophen dose of 10-15 g/kg/dose PO q4-6h prn; not to exceed 10 mg/dose of

hydrocodone bitartrate or 2.6 g/d of acetaminophen

>12 years: Based on acetaminophen dose of 750 mg PO q4h; not to exceed 5 doses q24h

Interactions

Phenothiazines may decrease the analgesic effects; toxicity increases with coadministration of CNS depressants

or tricyclic antidepressants

Contraindications

Documented hypersensitivity

Precautions

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits

outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Tabs contain metabisulfite, which may cause allergic reactions

Follow-up

Further Inpatient Care

� Admit patients with posterior packing. Elderly patients or patients with cardiac disorders or chronic

obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should receive supplemental oxygen and be admitted to a

monitored setting.

� Significant or uncontrolled bleeding from a posterior site may require operative management; this occurs in

about 30% of cases. Interventional radiology embolization of involved arteries and surgical ligation of

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vessels are possible options in such instances.[4 ]

Further Outpatient Care

� Patients discharged with anterior packing should receive follow-up care with an ENT specialist within 48-72

hours. Nasal packing increases the risk of sinusitis or toxic shock syndrome.

� Patients discharged with nasal packing should be prescribed a penicillin or first-generation cephalosporin.

Oral analgesics should also be prescribed.

� Advise patients to avoid aspirin, aspirin-containing products, and NSAIDs.

� Patients who take warfarin may generally continue their current regimen unchanged. Temporary

discontinuation of warfarin or active reversal of coagulopathy is indicated only in cases of uncontrolled

hemorrhage and supratherapeutic INR.

� Give patients specific written follow-up instructions.

Complications

� Sinusitis

� Septal hematoma/perforation

� External nasal deformity

� Mucosal pressure necrosis

� Vasovagal episode

� Balloon migration

� Aspiration

Prognosis

� With proper treatment, prognosis is excellent.

Patient Education

� For rebleeding or future nosebleeds, patients should be instructed to firmly pinch their entire nose for 10-15

minutes. Ice packs do not help.[5 ]

� Encourage nasal hydration with topical gels, lotions, or ointments to moisturize mucosa and promote

healing of friable areas. Humidifiers or vaporizers in bedrooms may increase ambient humidity.[3,2 ]

� For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Ears, Nose, and Throat Center. Also, see

eMedicine's patient education article Nosebleeds.

Miscellaneous

Medicolegal Pitfalls

� Posterior nasal packing is particularly uncomfortable for the patient and promotes hypoxia and

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hypoventilation. Failure to admit and appropriately monitor all patients who require posterior packing may

result in significant mortality.

� Attempts at nasal packing may result in significant slowing but not cessation of hemorrhage. Failure to

completely control hemorrhage is an absolute indication for consultation with an ENT specialist in the ED.

� Nasal packing can lead to serious infection. Patients discharged with anterior nasal packs should be started

on oral antibiotics.

� Tumors or other serious pathology are infrequent causes of epistaxis. However, all patients who present

with epistaxis should have follow-up care arranged with an ENT specialist for a complete nasopharyngeal

examination. Recurrent unilateral epistaxis should particularly raise concern for neoplasm.[1 ]

Multimedia

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Media file 1: Compressed sponge - Merocel.

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Media file 2: Merocel placed in left nostril for anterior packing.

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Media file 3: Rapid Rhino - 5.5 cm for anterior nasal packing.

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Media file 4: Rapid Rhino bilateral - 7.5 cm for anterior/posterior nasal packing.

References

1. Cummings CW. Epistaxis. In: Cummings: Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 4th ed. Philadelphia,

Pa: Elsevier, Mosby; 2005:Chap 40.

2. Gifford TO, Orlandi RR. Epistaxis. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. Jun 2008;41(3):525-36, viii. [Medline].

3. Schlosser RJ. Clinical practice. Epistaxis. N Engl J Med. Feb 19 2009;360(8):784-9. [Medline].

4. Douglas R, Wormald PJ. Update on epistaxis. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Jun 2007;15(3):180-

3. [Medline].

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5. Teymoortash A, Sesterhenn A, Kress R, et al. Efficacy of ice packs in the management of epistaxis. Clin

Otolaryngol Allied Sci. Dec 2003;28(6):545-7. [Medline].

6. Badran K, Malik TH, Belloso A, Timms MS. Randomized controlled trial comparing Merocel and RapidRhino

packing in the management of anterior epistaxis. Clin Otolaryngol. Aug 2005;30(4):333-7. [Medline].

7. Cassisi NJ, Biller HF, Ogura JH. Changes in arterial oxygen tension and pulmonary mechanics with the use

of posterior packing in epistaxis: a preliminary report. Laryngoscope. Aug 1971;81(8):1261-6. [Medline].

8. Choudhury N, Sharp HR, Mir N, Salama NY. Epistaxis and oral anticoagulant

therapy. Rhinology. Jun 2004;42(2):92-7. [Medline].

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Keywords

epistaxis, nose bleed, nasal hemorrhage, nosebleed, bloody nose, nasal packing, nosebleed treatment, nosebleed

causes

Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Ola Bamimore, MD, Resident Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, State University of New York

Downstate Medical Center, Kings County Hospital Center

Ola Bamimore, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians

and Emergency Medicine Residents Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Mark A Silverberg, MD, FACEP, MMB, Assistant Professor, Assistant Residency Director, Department of

Emergency Medicine, State University of New York Downstate College of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Department

of Emergency Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital, Kings County Hospital, University Hospital, State

University of New York Downstate at Brooklyn

Mark A Silverberg, MD, FACEP, MMB is a member of the following medical societies: American College of

Emergency Physicians, American Medical Association, Council of Emergency Medicine Residency Directors, and

Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Medical Editor

Francis Counselman, MD, Program Director, Chair, Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Eastern

Virginia Medical School

Francis Counselman, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American College

of Emergency Physicians, Association of Academic Chairs of Emergency Medicine (AACEM), Norfolk Academy of

Medicine, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine

Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment

Managing Editor

Mark W Fourre, MD, Program Director, Department of Emergency Medicine, Maine Medical Center; Associate

Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery, University of Vermont School of Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

CME Editor

John D Halamka, MD, MS, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess

Medical Center; Chief Information Officer, CareGroup Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School; Attending

Physician, Division of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

John D Halamka, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency

Physicians, American Medical Informatics Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and Society for Academic Emergency

Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Steven C Dronen, MD, FAAEM, Director of Emergency Services, Director of Chest Pain Center, Department of

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Emergency Medicine, Ft Sanders Sevier Medical Center

Steven C Dronen, MD, FAAEM is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Emergency

Medicine and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgments

The authors and editors of eMedicine gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous authors, Jeffrey A Evans, MD, and Todd Rothenhaus, MD, to the development and writing of this article.

Further Reading © 1994- 2010 by Medscape. All Rights Reserved (http://www.medscape.com/public/copyright)

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