What is anterior epistaxis?

What is anterior epistaxis?

Anterior epistaxis refers to a nosebleed that originates from the anterior (frontal) part of the nose. Most of the time, cases of anterior epistaxis originate from the Kiesselbach plexus, which is a vascular network found on the nasal septum, as these arteries can be easily traumatized.

Which artery is responsible for epistaxis?

The anterior ethmoid, greater palatine, sphenopalatine, and superior labial arteries all form a plexus of vessels in the anteroinferior nasal septum. Kiesselbach plexus is the source of the majority of nose bleeds.

What is the most common area for anterior nose bleeds?

The source of 90% of anterior nosebleeds lies within Kiesselbach’s plexus (also known as Little’s area) on the anterior nasal septum.

What is the difference between anterior and posterior epistaxis?

Anterior nosebleeds originate toward the front of the nose and cause blood to flow out through the nostrils. This is the most common type of nosebleed and it is usually not serious. Posterior nosebleeds originate toward the back of the nasal passage, near the throat.

Can hypertension cause epistaxis?

Epistaxis is more common in hypertensive patients, perhaps owing to vascular fragility from long-standing disease. Hypertension, however, is rarely a direct cause of epistaxis. More commonly, epistaxis and the associated anxiety cause an acute elevation of blood pressure.

What are the three types of nosebleeds?

Causes of nose bleeds can be divided into three categories, local, systemic, and idiopathic (unknown).

Are most nose bleeds anterior or posterior?

Nosebleeds are common and not usually serious. Most are anterior nosebleeds and can often be treated at home.

Which area of the internal nose is most prone to epistaxis?

Figure 1. Vascular anatomy of nasal septal blood supply. Most cases of epistaxis occur in the anterior part of the nose, with the bleeding usually arising from the rich arterial anastomoses of the nasal septum (Kiesselbach’s plexus).

What medical conditions can cause nosebleeds?

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• Acute sinusitis (nasal and sinus infection)
• Allergies.
• Aspirin use.
• Bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia.
• Blood thinners (anticoagulants), such as warfarin and heparin.
• Chemical irritants, such as ammonia.
• Chronic sinusitis.
• Cocaine use.

Can high blood pressure cause nosebleeds?

In most cases, high blood pressure does not cause headaches or nosebleeds. The best evidence indicates that high blood pressure does not cause headaches or nosebleeds, except in the case of hypertensive crisis, a medical emergency when blood pressure is 180/120 mm Hg or higher.

Can heart problems cause nose bleeds?

Heart conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure) and congestive heart failure can also cause nosebleeds, as can hypertensive crisis — a sudden, rapid increase in blood pressure that may be accompanied by a severe headache, shortness of breath, and anxiety, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).

Can stress cause a nosebleed?

Headaches, sometimes triggered by stress, can result in or be accompanied by a nosebleed. If you tend to pick your nose or blow your nose frequently when you feel stressed or anxious, that could also trigger a nosebleed.