Epistaxis in children and adolescents – A tertiary care experience

Background: Epistaxis is a frequent occurrence in pediatric population. Most childhood bleed is from little’s area (keisselbach’s plexus), there might be systemic causes such as von Willebrand disease, hemophilia, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical profile of epistaxis in children and adolescents, the risk factors associated, and management strategies. Materials and Methods: It is a retrospective and observational study conducted in a tertiary care center over a period of 2 years (2023–2025) on all patients attending the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) department of a tertiary care center of age group 0–19 years of age. Patients with insufficient medical record and loss to follow-up were excluded. The sample size was 116. Results: In this study, 73% is male and 27% female. Maximum patients are in the age group 12–19 years (52%), followed by 5- <12 years (33%), followed by <5 years (16%). The highest incidence was seen in winters (32%), followed by spring (27%). Most of the patients belonged to the lower socioeconomic age group. 60% were urban patients compared to 40% rural. The most common cause was adenoid hypertrophy (23%), and the least common were iron deficiency anemia, foreign body granuloma, antrochoanal polyp, and vestibulitis (1% each). Conclusion: Epistaxis is a common ENT emergency in children and adolescent which can be effectively managed with proper evaluation and preventive measures, reducing recurrence and complication.