Epistaxis in Kaduna, Nigeria: a review of 101 cases

Background: Epistaxis is defined as a hemorrhage from the nostril, nasal cavity, or nasopharynx. Sufferers and clinicians may develop significant anxiety despite the fact that majority of patients are treated successfully by the first attending physician.
Objective: To review aetiology and management outcomes of epistaxis in a resource constrained setting.
Methodology: A retrospective review of 101 patients seen with epistaxis at the National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna over 7years (January 2002- December 2008).
Results: The age of patients ranged between 2 and 75years. The incidence of epistaxis of 0.5% was recorded out of total patient visit and slight male preponderance with a male:female ratio of 1.4:1. Dry-hot and cold harmattan weather had the highest prevalence. Trauma and infections were the main aetiological factors identified but over 40% of cases are idiopathic in origin. About 25% presented with active bleeding and 11% required admission. All were managed conservatively. Less than 2% received blood transfusion.
Conclusion: Epistaxis is a common emergency that requires prompt intervention to reduce further morbidity and prevent mortality. Non operative intervention was a satisfactory approach in this study.