![]() Epistaxis is listed as a side effect of isotretinoin, probably due to a drying effect on nasal mucosa. Patients using topical nasal steroid sprays may be at greater risk of epistaxis through thinning of the septal mucosa, but these products rarely cause significant bleeds. Very few medicines directly cause epistaxis. The main causes of epistaxis are trauma to the nose, disorders of platelet function, disorders such as hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia, cocaine use, some systemic conditions, such as Wegener’s granulomatosis and tumours (rare). 3 Under the age of 49 years nosebleeds are more common in males than females - it has been hypothesised that oestrogen may be protective. Causes and risksĮpistaxis is more common in winter months, and this has been attributed to the increased incidence of upper respiratory tract infections and the use of central heating causing drying and irritation of the mucous membranes. As patients get older the site of bleeding tends to move back and can involve larger blood vessels. In the young most bleeds occur from Kiesselbach’s plexus in Little’s area, a highly vascular area on the anterior septum where several small vessels anastomose, and which is easily accessible to picking fingers. 1 The site of origin of bleeding tends to differ with age. 2 Despite these reassuring statistics it should be remembered that some nosebleeds can be serious and even fatal if not treated effectively.Įpistaxis has a bimodal distribution in the population, with peaks below the age of 10 years and after the age of 50 years. One large study found that around 6 per cent of people suffering nose bleeds sought medical treatment and that only 1.6 in 10,000 required hospital treatment. It is thought that approximately 60 per cent of the population will suffer from a nosebleed at some point in their lifetime. ![]() We do not recommend that you take any clinical decisions based on this information without first ensuring you have checked the latest guidance.Ī. Bleeding from the nose (epistaxis) is a common condition and rarely serious. Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research.International Journal of Pharmacy Practice.Antimicrobial resistance and stewardship. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |