Abstract: Introduction: It is a common clinical condition-encountered by the otorhinolaryngologist. Key clinical areas of epistaxis are the Little’s area and the ‘Woodruff’s plexus. Little’s area lies in the anteroinferior part of septum; a common site of anterior epistaxis in children and young adults
[2]. Woodruff s plexus lies just inferior to the posterior end of inferior turbinate; gives rise to posterior, epistaxis in adults
[3]. The causes of epistaxis are numerous which can be divided into local and general causes. Common local causes are Trauma, Infections, Foreign bodies, Deviated nasal septum, Neoplasms. General causes are Hypertension, Blood dyscrasias, Chronic liver disorders, Chronic kidney diseases, Overuse of salicylates and anticoagulants.
Aim: To study the etiopathogenesis, age and sex distribution of epistaxis.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the ENT department of Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences, Kulasekharam, Kanyakumari district in a time period from January 2020 to September 2020. Fifty patients of both sexes and all age groups presenting with epistaxis are included in this study. The study was conducted after obtaining the clearance from Institutional Human Ethical Committee.
Study design: Prospective descriptive study.
Results and Analysis: The incidence of epistaxis was 1.2%. It was more common in males. The age incidence was more in the first and second decades and then increased from the fifth decade onwards with almost 48% cases belonging to this category. The seasonal incidence was more during cold, dry, winter months (64%). The commonest etiological factor was trauma (48%), followed by the hypertension (22%). The causes for epistaxis in the first and second decades were trauma, infection and septal abnormalities. Hypertension, trauma and neoplasms accounted for the cases from fourth decade onwards.
Conclusion: The conclusions drawn from this study are as follows: Epistaxis is a common clinical condition encountered by the otorhino-laryngologist. It is prevalent in the 1st and 2nd decade and once again the age incidence increases from the 5th decade onwards. It is found to be more common in males than females. It occurs frequently in cold and dry climate. The common causes epistaxis are trauma and hypertention.
