Consensus on pediatrics epistaxis: Causes, clinic and treatment

Epistaxis is defined as bleeding from the vestibule, nasal cavity or nasopharynx. It represents 3 % of Emergency Room consultations. Thirty per cent of children under 5 years of age have an episode of epistaxis. The average age of presentation is between 7.5 and 8.5 years. It predominates in males (56-67 %). Nasal obstruction (nasal discharge) is the most associated symptom (46 %). The origin can be anterior or posterior, with the previous ones being the most frequent. An integral approach is necessary to determine the etiology (primary or secondary). The main purposes of the treatment are bleeding control and the underlying cause and the prevention of recurrence. Most hemorrhages are self-limiting; however, nasal tamponade and cauterization are required in cases of recurrence and/or severity. When these techniques fail, endoscopic management, angiography-embolization, and open surgical ligation may be used.