[Epistaxis--a stepwise plan for diagnosis and therapy].

Although nosebleed is usually an uncomplicated condition, in extreme cases it can certainly cause complications and even lead to exsanguination. In principle, local causes of bleeding, for example due to changes within the nose itself, need to be differentiated from symptomatic causes (e.g. infectious diseases, hypertension, coagulation disorders, malignant systemic diseases). The present article deals not so much with the details of nosebleed, but rather with the suitable therapeutic measures required. The author has developed a stepped approach which is intended to provide orientational aid in the treatment of this condition.