What Is Epistaxis? Nosebleeds as a Medicine Side Effect

What it means

Epistaxis simply means a nosebleed. Most nosebleeds come from small blood vessels near the front of the nose and are caused by dry air, nose picking, colds, allergies or a knock to the nose. Most stop on their own or with simple first aid. A nosebleed that will not stop, is very heavy, follows a head injury, or causes difficulty breathing needs urgent medical help.

Epistaxis is listed on medicine labels as a side effect in two main groups. Nasal sprays, including steroid sprays, can dry or irritate the lining of the nose, so their labels list nosebleeds and advise correct technique, such as aiming away from the middle of the nose. Blood thinners (anticoagulants and antiplatelet medicines) list it because they make bleeding more likely and harder to stop; frequent or prolonged nosebleeds on these medicines should be reported.

'Epistaxis' on a hospital note does not mean anything more serious than a nosebleed; it is just the medical term.

Where you may see it

• The 'Adverse Reactions' section of nasal steroid spray labels
• Bleeding warnings on anticoagulant and antiplatelet labels
• Emergency department and ENT notes