Effectiveness of Local Hemostatic Agents in Epistaxis

Epistaxis is the commonest otorhinolaryngological emergency Affecting up to 60% of the population in their lifetime, with 6% requiring medical attention.

The aim of this study was to find out the epidemiological profile of Epistaxis in our area and to find out the effectiveness of various available treatment options.

This study was conducted to describe the etiological profile and Treatment outcome of epistaxis. This was a prospective study of the cases of Epistaxis from July 2012 to august 2013. Till date, the data regarding. The management of epistaxis in our setting was not available. The purpose was. To evaluate the clinical and management options for epistaxis in our settings.

A total of 100 patients with epistaxis were studied. Males were, Affected twice more than the females (2.6:1). Their mean age was 48.63 years (Range 4 to 82 years). The commonest cause of epistaxis was Idiopathic (33%) Followed by trauma (21%) and hypertension (18%). Non-surgical measures. Such as light packing with cotton gauze soaked with local hemostatic (Hemocoagulase) and antiseptic/antibiotic (36%), silver nitrate cauterization (16%) and anterior nasal packing (15%) and observation alone (11%) were the main intervention methods in 78% of cases. Surgical measures mainly intranasal tumor resection was carried out in 3% of cases.

The most common etiological factor for Epistaxis is idiopathic. Most cases were successfully managed with conservative treatment alone and surgical intervention may not be necessary in most cases and should be the Last resort.