[The treatment of epistaxis].

Epistaxis is one of the most common ENT emergencies and highly prevalent in the general population. Most cases are self-limiting and patients do not usually seek medical attention. However, some cases can be severe and life-threatening. While most anterior bleeds can be effectively managed by simple measures, including pressure application, vasoconstrictive agents and cautery, some will require additional measures such as nasal packing. Posterior epistaxis can be difficult to control. Latest studies showed that surgical ligation of the sphenopalatine and/or anterior ethmoidal arteries is the most effective treatment and less painful and distressing than nasal packing. But packing is the therapeutic option that is readily available.