Template:Short description {{#invoke:other uses|otheruses}} Template:Infobox medical condition (new) A nosebleed, also known as epistaxis, is an instance of bleeding from the nose.<ref name=Fer2013>Template:Cite book</ref> Blood can flow down into the stomach, and cause nausea and vomiting.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In more severe cases, blood may come out of both nostrils.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Rarely, bleeding may be so significant that low blood pressure occurs.<ref name=Fer2013/> Blood may also be forced to flow up and through the nasolacrimal duct and out of the eye, producing bloody tears.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Risk factors include trauma, including putting the finger in the nose, blood thinners, high blood pressure, alcoholism, seasonal allergies, dry weather, and inhaled corticosteroids.<ref name=Stat2019/> There are two types: anterior, which is more common; and posterior, which is less common but more serious.<ref name=Stat2019>Template:Cite journal</ref> Anterior nosebleeds generally occur from Kiesselbach's plexus while posterior bleeds generally occur from the sphenopalatine artery or Woodruff's plexus.<ref name=Stat2019/> The diagnosis is by direct observation.<ref name=Fer2013/>
Prevention may include the use of petroleum jelly in the nose.<ref name=Kell2014>Template:Cite journal</ref> Initially, treatment is generally the application of pressure for at least five minutes over the lower half of the nose.<ref name=Tun2020>Template:Cite journal</ref> If this is not sufficient, nasal packing may be used.<ref name=Tun2020/> Tranexamic acid may also be helpful.<ref name=Jos2018>Template:Cite journal</ref> If bleeding episodes continue, endoscopy is recommended.<ref name=Tun2020/>
About 60% of people have a nosebleed at some point in their life.<ref name=Wac2009>Template:Cite book</ref> About 10% of nosebleeds are serious.<ref name=Wac2009/> Nosebleeds are rarely fatal, accounting for only 4 of the 2.4 million deaths in the U.S. in 1999.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Nosebleeds most commonly affect those younger than 10 and older than 50.<ref name=AFP2005>Template:Cite journal</ref> Template:TOC limit
CauseEdit
Nosebleeds can occur due to a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes include trauma from nose picking, blunt trauma (such as a motor vehicle accident), or insertion of a foreign object (more likely in children).<ref name=Kell2014 /> Low relative humidity (such as in centrally heated buildings), respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis, rhinitis or environmental irritants can cause inflammation and thinning of the tissue in the nose, leading to a greater likelihood of bleeding from the nose.<ref name=Kell2014/>
Most causes of nose bleeding are self-limiting and do not require medical attention. However, if nosebleeds are recurrent or do not respond to home therapies, an underlying cause may need to be investigated. Some rarer causes are listed below:<ref name=AFP2005/><ref name=Kell2014 /><ref name=":1">Template:Cite journal</ref>
Coagulopathy
- Thrombocytopenia (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura)
- Von Willebrand's disease
- Hemophilia
- Leukemia
- HIV
- Chronic liver disease—cirrhosis causes deficiency of factor II, VII, IX,& X
Dietary
- Sulfur dioxide (sulphur dioxide) E220 (as a food preservative used particularly in wines and dried fruits)
- Sulphites as food preservatives
- Salicylates naturally occurring in some fruits and vegetables
Inflammatory
Medications/Drugs
- Anticoagulation (warfarin, heparin, aspirin, etc.)
- Insufflated drugs (particularly cocaine)
- Nasal sprays (particularly prolonged or improper use of nasal steroids)
Neoplastic
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Adenoid cystic carcinoma
- Melanoma
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
- Nasopharyngeal angiofibroma
- Nosebleeds can be a sign of cancer in the sinus area, which is rare, or tumors starting at the base of the brain, such as meningioma. Due to the sensitive location, nosebleeds caused by tumors are typically associated with other symptoms, such as hearing or vision problems.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Traumatic
- Anatomical deformities (e.g. septal spurs)
- Blunt trauma (usually a sharp blow to the face such as a punch, sometimes accompanying a nasal fracture)
- Foreign bodies (such as fingers during nose-picking)
- Digital trauma (nose picking)
- Middle ear barotrauma (such as from descent in aircraft or ascent in scuba diving)
- Nasal bone fracture
- Septal fracture/perforation
- Intranasal tumors (e.g. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma or nasopharyngeal angiofibroma)
- Nasal cannula O2 (tending to dry the olfactory mucosa)
- Nasal sprays (particularly prolonged or improper use of nasal steroids)
- Surgery (e.g. septoplasty and functional endoscopic sinus surgery)
- Leech infestation<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
- Nasal bleeds may be due to fracture of facial bones namely maxilla and zygoma.
Vascular
- Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Osler–Weber–Rendu disease)
- Angioma
- Aneurysm of the carotid artery
PathophysiologyEdit
The nasal mucosa contains a rich blood supply that can be easily ruptured and cause bleeding. Rupture may be spontaneous or initiated by trauma. Nosebleeds are reported in up to 60% of the population with peak incidences in those under the age of ten and over the age of 50 and appear to occur in males more than females.<ref name="AAFP">Template:Cite journal</ref> An increase in blood pressure (e.g. due to general hypertension) tends to increase the duration of spontaneous epistaxis.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Anticoagulant medication and disorders of blood clotting can promote and prolong bleeding. Spontaneous epistaxis is more common in the elderly as the nasal mucosa (lining) becomes dry and thin and blood pressure tends to be higher. The elderly are also more prone to prolonged nosebleeds as their blood vessels are less able to constrict and control the bleeding.
The vast majority of nosebleeds occur in the front anterior (front) part of the nose from the nasal septum. This area is richly endowed with blood vessels (Kiesselbach's plexus). This region is also known as Little's area. Bleeding farther back in the nose is known as a posterior bleed and is usually due to bleeding from Woodruff's plexus, a venous plexus situated in the posterior part of inferior meatus.<ref> The Journal of Laryngology & Otology (2008), 122: 1074–1077</ref> Posterior bleeds are often prolonged and difficult to control. They can be associated with bleeding from both nostrils and with a greater flow of blood into the mouth.<ref name="AAFP" />
Template:Anchor Sometimes blood flowing from other sources of bleeding passes through the nasal cavity and exits the nostrils. It is thus blood coming from the nose but is not a true nosebleed, that is, not truly originating from the nasal cavity. Such bleeding is called "pseudoepistaxis" (pseudo + epistaxis). Examples include blood coughed up through the airway and ending up in the nasal cavity, then dripping out.
PreventionEdit
Template:Expand section People with uncomplicated nosebleeds can use conservative methods to prevent future nosebleeds such as sleeping in a humidified environment or applying petroleum jelly to the nasal nares.<ref name="Kell2014" />
Individuals who suffer from nosebleeds regularly, especially children, are encouraged to use over-the-counter nasal saline sprays and avoid vigorous nose-blowing as preventative measures.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
TreatmentEdit
Most anterior nosebleeds can be stopped by applying direct pressure, which helps by promoting blood clots.<ref name=Kell2014 /> Those who have a nosebleed should first attempt to blow out any blood clots and then apply pressure to the soft anterior part of the nose (by pinching the nasal ala; not the bony nasal bridge) for at least five minutes and up to 30 minutes.<ref name=Kell2014 /> Pressure should be firm and tilting the head forward helps decrease the chance of nausea and airway obstruction due to blood dripping into the airway.<ref name="AAFP" /> When attempting to stop a nosebleed at home, the head should not be tilted back.<ref name=AFP2005 /> Swallowing excess blood can irritate the stomach and cause vomiting. Vasoconstrictive medications such as oxymetazoline (Afrin) or phenylephrine are widely available over the counter for treatment of allergic rhinitis and may also be used to control benign cases of epistaxis.<ref name="pmid2676467">Template:Cite journal</ref> For example, a few sprays of oxymetazoline may be applied into the bleeding side(s) of the nose followed by application of direct pressure. Those with nosebleeds that last longer than 30 minutes (despite use of direct pressure and vasoconstrictive medications such as oxymetazoline) should seek medical attention.<ref name=Kell2014 />
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Chemical cauterizationEdit
This method involves applying a chemical such as silver nitrate to the nasal mucosa, which burns and seals off the bleeding.<ref name=":1" /> Eventually the nasal tissue to which the chemical is applied will undergo necrosis.<ref name=":1" /> This form of treatment is best for mild bleeds, especially in children, that are clearly visible.<ref name=":1" /> A topical anesthetic (such as lidocaine) is usually applied prior to cauterization. Silver nitrate can cause blackening of the skin due to silver sulfide deposit, though this will fade with time.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Once the silver nitrate is deposited, saline may be used to neutralize any excess silver nitrate via formation of silver chloride precipitate.
Nasal packingEdit
If pressure and chemical cauterization cannot stop bleeding, nasal packing is the mainstay of treatment.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite journal</ref> Nasal packing is typically categorized into anterior nasal packing and posterior nasal packing.<ref name="Kill2014">Template:Cite journal</ref> Nasal packing may also be categorized into dissolvable and non-dissolvable types.
Dissolvable nasal packing materials stop bleeding through use of thrombotic agents that promote blood clots, such as surgicel and gelfoam.<ref name="Kell2014" /> The thrombogenic foams and gels do not require removal and dissolve after a few days. Typically, dissolvable nasal packing is first attempted; if the bleeding persists, non-dissolvable nasal packing is the next option.
Traditionally, nasal packing was accomplished by packing gauze into the nose, thereby placing pressure on the vessels in the nose and stopping the bleeding. Traditional gauze packing has been replaced with other non-dissolvable nasal packing products such as Merocel and the Rapid Rhino.<ref name=":2" /> The Merocel nasal tampon is similar to gauze packing except it is a synthetic foam polymer (made of polyvinyl alcohol and expands in the nose after application of water) that provides a less hospitable medium for bacteria.<ref name="Kell2014" /> The Rapid Rhino stops nosebleeds using a balloon catheter, made of carboxymethylcellulose, which has a cuff that is inflated by air to stop bleeding through extra pressure in the nasal cavity.<ref name=":2" /> Systematic review articles have demonstrated that the efficacy in stopping nosebleeds is similar between the Rapid Rhino and Merocel packs; however, the Rapid Rhino has been shown to have greater ease of insertion and reduced discomfort.<ref name=":2" /> Posterior nasal packing can be achieved by using a Foley catheter, blowing up the balloon when it is in the back of the throat, and applying anterior traction so that the inflated balloon occludes the choanae.<ref name="Kill2014" /> Patients who receive non-dissolvable nasal packing need to return to a medical professional in 24–72 hours in order to have packing removed.<ref name="Kell2014" /><ref name="Stat2019" /> Complications of non-dissolvable nasal packing include abscesses, septal hematomas, sinusitis, and pressure necrosis.<ref name="AFP2005" /> In rare cases toxic shock syndrome can occur with prolonged nasal packing. As a result, any patient who has non-dissolvable nasal packing should be given prophylactic antibiotic medication to be taken as long as the nasal packing remains in the nose.<ref name="AFP2005" />
SurgeryEdit
Ongoing bleeding despite good nasal packing is a surgical emergency and can be treated by endoscopic evaluation of the nasal cavity under general anesthesia to identify an elusive bleeding point or to directly ligate (tie off) the blood vessels supplying the nose. These blood vessels include the sphenopalatine, anterior and posterior ethmoidal arteries. More rarely the maxillary or a branch of the external carotid artery can be ligated. The bleeding can also be stopped by intra-arterial embolization using a catheter placed in the groin and threaded up the aorta to the bleeding vessel by an interventional radiologist.<ref name="NIH" /> There is no difference in outcomes between embolization and ligation as treatment options, but embolization is considerably more expensive.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Continued bleeding may be an indication of more serious underlying conditions.<ref name="NIH">MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Nosebleed U.S. National Library of Medicine Medline Plus service. Retrieved 2010-03-15.</ref>
Tranexamic acidEdit
Tranexamic acid helps promote blood clotting.<ref name="Jos2018" /> For nosebleeds it can be applied to the site of bleeding, taken by mouth, or injected into a vein.<ref name="Jos2018" />
OtherEdit
The utility of local cooling of the head and neck is controversial.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Some state that applying ice to the nose or forehead is not useful.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Others feel that it may promote vasoconstriction of the nasal blood vessels and thus be useful.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In Indonesian traditional medicine, betel leaf is used to stop nosebleeds as it contains tannin which causes blood to coagulate, thus stopping active bleeding.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
Society and cultureEdit
In the visual language of Japanese manga and anime, nosebleeding often indicates that the bleeding person is sexually aroused.<ref name=Metroactive>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Sydney Morning Herald">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=ANN>Template:Cite news</ref> In Western fiction, nosebleeds often signify intense mental focus or effort, particularly during the use of psychic powers.<ref name="st-psychic-nosebleeds">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="nosebleed-cinema">Template:Cite book</ref>
In American and Canadian usage, "nosebleed section" and "nosebleed seats" are common slang for seating at sporting or other spectator events that are the highest up and farthest away from the event. The reference alludes to the propensity for nasal hemorrhage at high altitudes, usually owing to lower barometric pressure.
The oral history of the Native American Sioux tribe includes reference to women who experience nosebleeds as a result of a lover's playing of music, implying sexual arousal.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
In the Finnish language, "picking blood from one's nose" and "begging for a nosebleed" are commonly used in abstract meaning to describe self-destructive behaviour, for example ignoring safety procedures or deliberately aggravating stronger parties.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In Filipino slang, to "have a nosebleed" is to have serious difficulty conversing in English with a fluent or native English speaker. It can also refer to anxiety brought on by a stressful event such as an examination or a job interview.<ref>OMG! Nosebleed! Say what?! Template:Webarchive Retrieved 28 August 2013</ref>
In the Dutch language, "pretending to have a nosebleed" is a saying that means pretending not to know anything about something.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
EtymologyEdit
The word epistaxis is from Template:Langx epistazo, "to bleed from the nose" from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} epi, "above, over" and {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} stazo, "to drip [from the nostrils]".Template:Citation needed
ReferencesEdit
External linksEdit
Template:Medical resources Template:Circulatory and respiratory system symptoms and signs Template:Bleeding and clotting disorders Template:Portal bar Template:Authority control