Stop the Bleed! Acute Epistaxis Management

Epistaxis, the most common Otolaryngology-related emergency, is responsible for one in 200 emergency department (ED) visits in the United States (US) and one-third of otolaryngology visits.1,11 Up to 60% of the population will experience epistaxis during their lifetime, and 6% -10 % will require medical intervention.2,3 Epistaxis occurs in children and adults and has a seasonal variation. Although 85% of nosebleeds are idiopathic, they are more frequent in those on supplemental oxygen, anticoagulation, antiplatelet therapy, and in those with other conditions that may predispose them to bleeding. Most clinicians will encounter patients with acute epistaxis; therefore, it is vital to be educated on the etiology, prevention, and acute management. This CME article will review the new Clinical Practice Guidelines4 from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery regarding epistaxis and discuss newer therapies that have emerged.