Epistaxis. How to control the persistent nosebleed.

Successful control of unusually persistent epistaxis is most easily accomplished through an organized stepwise progression of treatment options. This begins with a careful physical examination of the nose to look for a specific bleeding site. Most failures in treatment result from initial inattention to this methodical examination, resulting in improperly placed packing materials. With careful preparation prior to nasal manipulation, most nosebleeds should be readily controllable.