Nose Bleed (Epistaxis)
Description Management Referral ICD-10 code: R04.0 DESCRIPTION Nose bleed may be caused by local or systemic diseases, or local trauma, especially nose picking, and occurs from an area anterior and inferior to the nasal septum. Consider other conditions associated with nosebleeds, especially if recurrent, e.g. hypertension and bleeding tendency. MANAGEMENT Acute episode Control bleeding by pinchi
ICD-10 code: R04.0
DESCRIPTION
Nose bleed may be caused by local or systemic diseases, or local trauma, especially nose picking, and occurs from an area anterior and inferior to the nasal septum. Consider other conditions associated with nosebleeds, especially if recurrent, e.g. hypertension and bleeding tendency.
MANAGEMENT
Acute episode
Control bleeding by pinching the nasal wings (alae) together for 5–10 minutes. If this fails, insert nasal tampons or BIPP stripping into bleeding nostril(s), if available. Identify underlying cause.
REFERRAL
- Recurrent nose bleeds.
- Failure to stop the bleeding.
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2020-4_Version 1.1_October 2024
Chapter 21: Emergencies and Injuries