Abstract: Background: In ENT, epistaxis is a frequent emergency. Active bleeding from the nose is the definition. Anterior epistaxis is most common type (around 90% of nosebleeds). It occurs when the blood vessels in the front of the nasal septum (the thin wall between the two nostrils) break.The present study was conducted to assess cases of epistaxis.

Material and Methods: 98 cases of epistaxis of both genderswere divided into 2 groups of 49 each. Group I patients were given conservative treatment consisting of admission for observation with bed rest, anterior nasal packing with BIPP (Bismuth Iodine Paraffin Paste) and posterior packing with Foley catheter. Group II patients were given surgical therapy consisting of endoscopy coagulation of sphenopalatine artery in patients who did not response to conservative management for 48 hours. All patients were evaluated for clinical presentation of epistaxis, possible causes of epistaxis, treatment, length of hospital stay.

Results: Out of 98 patients, 52 were males and 46 were females. Right side was involved in 29 and 26 and left side in 20 and 23 in group I and group II respectively. Causes were trauma in 17 and 19, idiopathic in 21 and 20 and malignancy in 11 and 10. Length of stay was <3 days in 41 and 6 and >3 daysin 8 and 43 in group I and group II respectively. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).

Conclusion: According to this study, patients who receive conservative treatment for epistaxis have shorter hospital stays. As a first line of treatment for intractable epistaxis, surgery is necessary for individuals who still bleed after receiving proper conservative care.