Nosebleed (Epistaxis) Treatment

Epistaxis, or bleeding from the nose, is a common complaint. It is rarely life threatening but may cause significant concern, especially among parents of small children. Most nose bleeds are benign, self-limiting, and spontaneous, but some can be recurrent. The following precautions should be imparted to the patient like using nasal saline spray, avoid hard nose blowing, sneeze with the mouth open etc. In most patients with epistaxis, the bleeding responds by applying firm digital pressure just below the nasal bones for about 5 minutes, using an ice pack, deep and relaxed breathing.

If this conservative management fails, then cauterization (chemical or electrical) of the bleeding spot, nasal packing, or both can be done. For those who have recurrent or severe bleeding for which medical therapy has failed, various surgical options are available.