Epistaxis

Nasal bleeding can be of two types depending upon the site of nasal bleed.Anterior bleeding mostly originates from the septum from its anteroinferior area called Little's area or Kisselbach's plexus.Posterior bleeding is from the so called artery of epistaxis i.e.sphenopalatine artery.

Causes -

1. Idiopathic - In most of the cases no cause can be identified.

2. Traumatic causes -

• Nasal picking - It is the commonest cause of epistaxis in children.Nasal picking can cause injury to the Little's area causing bleeding from nose.
• Nasal blows and road side traffic accidents causing facial injuries, nasal injuries and fractures cause nasal bleeding.
• Iatrogenic causes like nasogastric and nasotracheal intubation.
• Surgical causes like in septoplasty, submucus resection and endoscopic sinus surgery.