ear, nose, and throat disorders
How To Treat Anterior Epistaxis With Cautery
Aftercare for Treating Anterior Epistaxis With Cautery
Advise the patient not to useaspirinor nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for 4 days after treatment of epistaxis. The cauterized area should be coated with petroleum jelly 2 to 3 times a day for 3 to 5 days. Advise the patient that if bleeding recurs, the nostrils should be pinched closed for 20 minutes without interruption. Applyingoxymetazolinenasal spray before pinching the nostrils may help control bleeding. If this does not stop the bleeding or if the bleeding is profuse, the patient should return to the emergency department. 