TITLE- EPISTAXIS: PATTERNS OF PRESENTATION AND MANAGEMENT – A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY FROM A TERTIARY INSTITUTION
Keywords:
Epistaxis, Nose bleed, Nose, emergency, hemorrhage , endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligationAbstract
Epistaxis is a common ENT emergency, with varied presentations ranging from minor nasal bleeding to life-threatening haemorrhage. This study aims at evaluating the varying presentations, aetiologies, and management outcomes of epistaxis in a tertiary care centre in Northeast India.
Methods:
A retrospective review was conducted over one year (April 2024–April 2025) at a tertiary hospital in Northeast India. Data from 114 patients presenting with epistaxis were analysed for demographics, bleeding site, aetiology, comorbidities, and treatment methods.
Results:
Of 114 patients, 62.2% were male, with a mean age of 41.3 years. Anterior epistaxis accounted for 95.5% of cases. The leading causes were hypertension (35.8%) and nasal trauma (20.9%). Most cases were managed conservatively with nasal compression, topical agents, and cautery. Anterior nasal packing was needed in 35.8% of patients, while 6 patients required surgical or radiological intervention.
Conclusion:
Anterior epistaxis was the most frequent presentation, primarily due to hypertension and trauma. Conservative measures were effective in most cases. Surgical or interventional procedures were reserved for refractory cases, supporting a stepwise management approach.
