Epistaxis – or nosebleeds – are defined as bleeding from the nostril, nasal cavity, or nasopharynx (where the nasal cavity connects to the soft palate at the back of the mouth). Nosebleeds are caused by the bursting of a blood vessel within the nose. Frequently this occurs due to abnormal blood vessels in the nose that are prone to even minor degrees of trauma, causing them to bleed. Approximately 60 percent of the population will experience a nosebleed at some point in time, with just six percent requiring professional medical attention.
Nosebleeds are rarely life-threatening and usually stop on their own. Nosebleeds can be divided into two categories, based on the site of bleeding: anterior (in the front of the nose) or posterior (in the back of the nose). The cause of nosebleeds is typically unknown, but they may result from trauma, medication use, tumors, or nasal/sinus surgery.
Tests
Physical exam
Your ENT doctor will perform a complete examination of your nose and nasal passages to confirm your diagnosis.
Treatments
Blood Vessel Cauterization
If you have frequent nosebleeds, your ENT specialist may recommend that you have your blood vessels cauterized in the office (burned under local or general anesthesia) to prevent bleeding. Occasionally, this has to be done in the operating room.
Medication Adjustments
Certain medications, such as blood thinners, can worsen nosebleeds. Your ENT doctor may coordinate with the doctor who prescribed the medication to adjust and reduce the likelihood of epistaxis.
Why Choose UHealth?
Ranked in the nation’s top tier by U.S. News & World Report. The ranking reflects the team’s dedication to excellence in research patient care and outcomes. Surgeons, audiologists, biomedical engineers, speech pathologists, researchers, and psychologists collaborate with many research programs at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine to deliver the best possible multidisciplinary care to pediatric and adult ear, nose, and throat patients.
Highly specialized rhinology doctors. The experts at University of Miami Health are here to help you breathe easier, smell better, and rest better with an accurate diagnosis and leading edge treatments in a compassionate setting. Our fellowship-trained providers specialize in the nasal airway, and our rhinology specialists have completed specialized training in nasal and sinus disorders. They have dedicated their clinical and research careers to caring for nasal and sinus disorders.
Our academic health center provides you with more treatment options. Our ENT specialists are experts in the field of rhinology. As part of an academic health center, we are proud to offer breakthrough treatments not available to other facilities in South Florida. We also offer our patients early access to clinical trials and new medical and procedural treatments. We provide comprehensive care for a wide array of rhinologic conditions, backed by expertise, research, and education.
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