About Epistaxis
Key Highlights
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Quick and effective method to stop active nasal bleeding.Performed by a specialist (ENT) for accurate diagnosis and treatment.Minimally invasive with options like cauterization often done in-office.Helps identify and address underlying causes of recurrent nosebleeds.Prevents complications from significant blood loss, especially in vulnerable patients.
Who is this surgery for?
- Active nasal bleeding that does not stop after 20 minutes of direct pressure.
- Recurrent episodes of nosebleeds (epistaxis).
- Bleeding from the posterior (back) part of the nose, which is often more severe.
- Nosebleeds in patients with bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia) or on blood thinners.
- Trauma to the nose or face resulting in bleeding.
- Underlying conditions like hypertension, nasal tumors, or septal perforations.
- Bleeding that causes lightheadedness, dizziness, or significant blood loss.
How to prepare
- The patient will be seated upright or reclined slightly to reduce blood flow to the head.
- The ENT will take a brief medical history, including medications (especially blood thinners) and any history of bleeding disorders.
- A nasal examination will be performed using a headlight and a nasal speculum to visualize the bleeding site.
- Topical anesthetic and decongestant sprays may be applied to numb the nose and shrink blood vessels for better visibility.
- No major fasting or special preparation is typically required for in-office procedures.
Risks & possible complications
- Discomfort, pain, or a burning sensation during cauterization.
- Recurrence of bleeding after the procedure.
- Infection at the treatment site, though rare.
- Nasal septal perforation (a hole in the nasal septum) from aggressive cautery, especially if done bilaterally.
- Allergic reaction to topical anesthetics or packing materials.
- Temporary loss of smell or taste.
- Difficulty breathing through the nose if packing is placed.
- Rare risk of toxic shock syndrome with certain types of nasal packing.
Recovery & hospital stay
- After cauterization, avoid blowing the nose or strenuous activity for 24-48 hours.
- If nasal packing is placed, it is typically removed by the ENT in 24-72 hours.
- Use saline nasal sprays or prescribed antibiotic ointments to keep the nasal passages moist and prevent crusting.
- Avoid hot showers, spicy foods, and bending over for a few days as these can increase blood pressure in the nose.
- Do not insert anything into the nose, including fingers or tissues.
- Follow up with the ENT as scheduled to ensure proper healing and address any recurrent bleeding.
- Report signs of infection (fever, increased pain, foul-smelling discharge) or heavy bleeding immediately.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (typically outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 3-7 days for full healing of the cauterized area
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering epistaxis in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for epistaxis in India include Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, KMC Hospital Mangalore, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform epistaxis. MediFyr helps you compare ent specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for epistaxis compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 1.5 Thousand – 15 Thousand | 0-1 days (typically outpatient) | ~ 3-7 days for full healing of the cauterized area | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 5.25 Thousand – 52.5 Thousand | 0-1 days (typically outpatient) | ~ 3-7 days for full healing of the cauterized area | Know More |
Top hospitals for Epistaxis in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ent teams and experience managing patients undergoing epistaxis.
Aarav Jones is a 28-year-old software...
Aarav Jones is a 28-year-old software developer who recently moved to a dry, high-altitude city. For the past three weeks, he has been experiencing frequent, spontaneous nosebleeds from his right nostril, often triggered by minor activities like bending over his desk or a slight sneeze. The bleeds last 10-15 minutes and are unsettling, causing him anxiety during work meetings and disrupting his sleep. After a particularly heavy bleed that stained his new keyboard, he visited an ENT specialist, Dr. Sharma. Dr. Sharma noted a prominent blood vessel on the right side of Aarav's septum, likely dried and irritated by the new climate. She recommended a quick in-office procedure: chemical cauterization with silver nitrate. Aarav was nervous but relieved to have a solution. During the brief procedure, he felt a brief, sharp sting and a strong metallic smell, but it was over in under a minute. He was instructed to apply antibiotic ointment and avoid nose-blowing for a week. Within days, the nosebleeds stopped completely. Aarav's journey shifted from constant, low-grade anxiety about the next bleed to immense relief and regained confidence. He bought a humidifier for his apartment and feels back in control of his health.
ENT Specialists for Epistaxis
Explore experienced ent specialists who regularly perform epistaxis and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 16 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 43 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 38 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 36 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 19 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore