NOSE BLEEDS (EPISTAXIS):
Most nosebleeds can be managed conservatively. Humidifying the air and applying nasal saline sprays may help as the first line of treatment.
1. Avoid hard nose blowing and nose picking, especially in children.
2. Avoid hot and spicy foods and hot showers and avoid aspirin and other anti-coagulants unless prescribed medically. If bleeding occurs, sit down and lean forward and relax.
3. Pinch the nose firmly on the soft part of the nose so that pressure is applied against the septum. Apply an ice pack to the external nose.
4. Pinch the nose for a few minutes. If it is still bleeding then pinch the nose for another 10-15 minutes. If bleeding continues then medical attention may be necessary. Topical over-the-counter nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline or phenylephrine may help to decrease bleeding as a temporary measure.
If bleeding persists or recurs or is severe then a consultation with an ENT surgeon is recommended. A diagnostic nasal endoscopy would help in clinching the site and the probable cause of bleeding. A surgical procedure may or may not be needed. Anterior bleeding can sometimes be managed with chemical cauterization using silver nitrate. Occasionally, persistent bleeding will require nasal packing and, if there is a recurrence or intractable bleeding, surgical management or embolization may be required. The surgical approach is very straightforward with an endoscopic approach to visualize the bleeding site and ligate or clip the offending vessel and prevent further episodes.
For further queries about the infections, diseases, and treatments of the ear, nose or throat, Dr Mohanty’s Speciality ENT Clinics in Chennai, India can help in a number of ways,
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT US :
Dr Mohanty’s Speciality ENT Clinics
Manapakkam, Chennai, India.
For Consultation: +91 97910 74677
Comments