Why does posterior epistaxis bleed more?

A posterior nosebleed occurs when the artery branches that supply blood to the nose become damaged. This arterial damage leads to heavier bleeding than anterior nosebleeds, and the blood can often flow into the throat.

What is the most common etiology of epistaxis?

Local trauma is the most common cause, followed by facial trauma, foreign bodies, nasal or sinus infections, and prolonged inhalation of dry air. Children usually present with epistaxis due to local irritation or recent upper respiratory infection (URI).

What does a posterior nosebleed mean?

The Nose. Bleeding from blood vessels in the back part of the nose (posterior nosebleed), although uncommon, is more dangerous and difficult to treat. Posterior nosebleeds usually involve larger blood vessels than anterior nosebleeds.

What artery causes posterior nosebleeds?

Bleeding from the posterior or superior nasal cavity is often termed a posterior nosebleed. This is usually presumed due to bleeding from Woodruff’s plexus, which are the posterior and superior terminal branches of the sphenopalatine and posterior ethmoidal arteries.

How do you manage posterior epistaxis?

Measures to control posterior epistaxis include direct cauterization, posterior nasal packing, embolization or surgery. Many studies have shown surgical control to be superior to angiography/ embolization 3 5 as well as posterior packing 3.

How common is posterior nosebleed?

Posterior nosebleeds are less common than anterior nosebleeds, but they can be serious and can cause a lot of blood loss. Children do not commonly get posterior nosebleeds. If you are having symptoms such as chest pain, lightheadedness, or if bleeding is severe, you should call for emergency medical help.

Can hypertension cause epistaxis?

Epistaxis is more common in hypertensive patients, perhaps owing to vascular fragility from long-standing disease. Hypertension, however, is rarely a direct cause of epistaxis. More commonly, epistaxis and the associated anxiety cause an acute elevation of blood pressure.

What are the local causes of epistaxis?

The most common local causes of epistaxis are trauma, anatomic deformities, inflammatory reactions, and intranasal tumors. Epistaxis is most commonly encountered in the pediatric population secondary to digital trauma.

Is a posterior nosebleed an emergency?

How is posterior epistaxis treated?

Can a posterior nosebleed be cauterized?

To conclude, endoscopic nasal cauterization is recommended as the first line to treatment in all cases of posterior epistaxis. This will not only prevent the uncomfortable and potentially dangerous nasal packing but also help in finding the underlying pathology.

Can you cauterize a posterior nosebleed?

Is a posterior nosebleed serious?

This is the most common type of nosebleed and it is usually not serious. Posterior nosebleeds originate toward the back of the nasal passage, near the throat. Posterior nosebleeds are less common than anterior nosebleeds, but they can be serious and can cause a lot of blood loss.

What causes epistaxis in adults?

The most common cause of nosebleeds is dry air. Dry air can be caused by hot, low-humidity climates or heated indoor air. Both environments cause the nasal membrane (the delicate tissue inside your nose) to dry out and become crusty or cracked and more likely to bleed when rubbed or picked or when blowing your nose.

When should you see a doctor for posterior nosebleeds?

What are the risk factors of epistaxis?

Risk Factors

• Trauma is the most common risk factor of epistaxis. Childhood and senility are unchangeable risk factors. Other risk factors are:
• Vascular abnormalities. Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia. Congestive hearth failure. Granulomatosis with polyangitis.
• Infections.
• Coagulopathies: Anticoagulants. Antiplatelet.