How to stop a nosebleed.

Epistaxis is a common emergency usually caused by local trauma to the nasal mucosa. Occasionally, it may result from systemic diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, or coagulopathy. Anterior nosebleed often can be controlled with topical vasoconstriction and cautery. Intranasal packing may be necessary to tamponade bleeding vessels. Occlusion of the sinus ostia by anterior nasal packing may necessitate prophylactic use of antibiotics to prevent sinusitis. Posterior nosebleed requires nasopharyngeal packing. Patients must be closely monitored and given supplemental high-humidity oxygen. Persistent or recurrent nosebleed or failure of posterior nasopharyngeal packing to control bleeding indicates the need for otolaryngologic consultation and perhaps surgical intervention.