Paediatric epistaxis: Alder Hey experience

Abstract

Referrals for epistaxis management constitute a significant proportion of paediatric ENT consultations. A prospective audit of all new referrals to our paediatric ENT department for epistaxis management yielded 88 patients over four months. Parents completed a questionnaire with particular reference to the duration of history and frequency of epistaxis. After assessment some patients were given topical chlorhexidine and neomycin cream (Naseptin), in addition some children also underwent chemical cautery (silver nitrate). Of the 64 children in whom out-patient nasal cautery was attempted it was tolerated by 63 (98 per cent). In response to a follow-up postal questionnaire returned by 65 per cent, most parents (74 per cent) felt that Naseptin was useful. A telephone survey of the patients’ general practitioners found that 91 per cent of the children did not consult their general practitioner regarding epistaxis again. We conclude that paediatric epistaxis can be effectively managed with a single out-patient consultation.