Epistaxis in Kaduna, Nigeria: A review of 101 cases in a resource constrained setting

Epistaxis is defined as hemorrhage from the nostril, nasal cavity, or nasopharynx. Sufferers and clinicians may develop significant anxiety despite the fact that majority of patients may be treated successfully by the first attending physician. The objective of this study was to review the incidence, common etiological factors and management modalities of epistaxis in a resource constrained setting. It is a retrospective review of 101 patients seen with epistaxis over 7 years at National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna from January 2002 to December 2008. The age of patients reviewed ranged between 2 and 75 years. An incidence of 0.5% was recorded 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 etiological factors identified, but over 40% had no discernable cause. About 25% presented with active bleeding and 10.98% required admission. All were managed conservatively. Less than 2% had blood transfusion. Epitaxis is a common rhinological emergency that requires prompt intervention to reduce morbidity and prevent mortality. Conservative intervention was a satisfactory approach in this study. Key words: Epistaxis, resource constrained, conservative management.