Epistaxis

Epistaxis is the medical term for a nosebleed, which occurs when blood vessels inside the nose break and bleed. The nose is part of the respiratory system and contains many small, delicate blood vessels close to the surface. When these vessels are damaged, blood can flow out through the nostrils. Common causes include dry air, nose picking, or minor injuries. While most nosebleeds are not serious, they can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health problem. The main health effect is blood loss, which is usually minor but can be significant in some cases. Understanding the cause and severity helps guide appropriate care.

Epistaxis is defined as bleeding from the nasal mucosa due to rupture of the highly vascularized vessels in the nasal septum or lateral nasal wall. The most common site is the anterior nasal septum at Kiesselbach's plexus, which contains an anastomosis of branches from the internal and external carotid arteries. The pathophysiology involves local trauma, mucosal dryness, inflammation, or systemic factors such as coagulopathy or hypertension. Clinically, epistaxis presents with unilateral or bilateral nasal bleeding that can range from mild to severe. It is significant because it can lead to airway obstruction, hypovolemia, or indicate systemic disease. Differentiation between anterior and posterior bleeding is important for management. Recurrent or severe epistaxis warrants evaluation for underlying disorders such as bleeding diatheses or vascular malformations.